14 DAY TRIAL // Now that consumer central processing units have reached six-core designs and there are enough DirectX 11-capable graphics cards to go around, the next logical step is for RAM to undergo a similar evolution. This evolution took a step forward when Samsung started mass-producing its 4Gb DDR3 chips, based on the 40nm manufacturing process, setting the stage for “green” 8GB SoDIMMs and 32GB RDIMMs. Now, seeking to achieve the same level of capacity and power efficiency, Elpida is nearing the date when it will be able to state that it too has moved on to the next level.
According to one of the most recent reports by Digitimes, Elpida has almost caught up and has already started sampling 4Gb DDR3 SDRAM based on the 40nm manufacturing process technology. These chips consume about 30% less power than two 40nm 2Gb DDR3 SDRAMs put together. This fact illustrates the major advantage of moving on to a smaller process. With the reduction in size comes a drop in energy use, which, in turn, ends up increasing maximum performance and reducing maximum power draw at the same time.
The 40nm 4Gb SDRAM from Elpida will be able to function on a standard voltage of 1.5V, as well as the low voltage of 1.35, to allow higher levels of efficiency. This will not only raise the bar for consumer memory, but will also greatly boost the productivity of data centers, servers and any other large-capacity memory systems.
“Elpida said its 4Gb DDR3 SDRAM will be shipped for 32GB registered DIMM (72 4Gb DDR3 SDRAMs installed in 36 double-density packages) and new standard LRDIMM for servers, 8GB ECC unbuffered DIMM (18 4Gb DDR3 SDRAM installed) for workstations, 8GB SO-DIMM (16 4Gb DDR3 SDRAM installed) for notebooks and digital consumer electronic products,” reports Digitimes.
Mass production will be handled by the Hiroshima fab and should commence in the third quarter of the ongoing year.