AMD Begins to Make RAM, Radeon DDR3

AMD may only be known for its processing and graphics products, but it appears it might be branching out somewhat, extending its influence, or at least trying to, in the RAM segment.

Seeing as how Intel has been doing its best to establish a foothold in other IT segments besides CPUs and chipsets, it is not overly odd to hear that AMD might be attempting the same.

Granted, Advanced Micro Devices does not seem to be targeting the same area as its arch-rival (Intel has been developing SSDs, among other things).

Instead, the Sunnyvale, California-based corporation is working on DDR3 RAM (random access memory) modules.

The fact that AMD is making RAM is not exactly a new thing, since the outfit has been at it for quite a bit already, but the company might be trying to get them more out in the open now.

To start with, three 2 GB DIMMs have been unveiled, carrying the brand name Radeon, the one AMD uses for its video solutions.

Obviously, this is a move meant primarily to get some early attention for the modules that are, all in all, not overly impressive, performance-wise, though they are quite cheap at least.

With a clock speed 1,600 MHz, they won't really pose a threat to real powerhouses, like kits from Mach Xtreme or Kingston (which were even overclocked to over 3 GHz).

For those that want some actual details, Advanced Micro Devices put together three 2 GB modules, each aimed, naturally, at a different set of applications.

There is the Enterprise module, whose specifications have, alas, not been disclosed as of yet, though this, thankfully, does not hold true for the other two.

The Ultra Pro Gaming memory works at 1,600 MHz and 11-11-11 latencies, while the Entertainment solution is slower (1,333 MHz) and features latencies of 9-9-9.

Japanese stores should already have the 1,333 MHz one up for order, at $20. Availability details for the other two are pending.