Feb 17, 2011 15:12 GMT  ·  By

Even with all the issues plaguing the DRAM market, it appears that makers of such chips can still see the good in life by securing a bigger share than before, as done by Samsung, according to iSupply.

The DRAM market has not been doing so well over the past few months, as ASPs (average selling prices) have been on a gradual drop.

To be more specific, prices fell by 28% during the final quarter of last year (2010), leading to genaeral drops in revenues.

Samsung, however, though it had to contend with this issue, managed to make up for things, to some extent, by securing a larger share of the industry.

According to market research firm iSuppli, the outfit was able to grab a very solid share of 41.7% during the fourth quarter of 2010, in South Korea at least.

Considering that that entire market amounted to $8.7 billion, this means that Samsung sits comfortably with $3.6 billion all to itself.

Granted, revenues did drop during that three-month period, but not enough to cause lasting consequences, so to speak.

Micron Technology was another lucky shot, with a drop in revenue of just 3%, as opposed to how Elpida dropped 35%.

“Samsung succeeded in picking up more business thanks to an astute playbook marked by a diverse product portfolio that hedged against excessive ASP declines, as well as an aggressive budget for capital expenditure that made sure the company’s shipments kept pace with the competition,” said Mike Howard, principal analyst for DRAM and memory at IHS.

“One thing is clear: As the dynamic DRAM industry continues its wild and volatile ride, market share among companies when this year ends will be significantly different from that of last year,” added the press release.

Hat remains to be seen is just how long it takes for prices of DRAM chips to finally pick up again.