Memory Digest - January 2011

January 2011

SSDs Becoming Mainstream

The solid-state drive (SSD) has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the late 1990s. Unlike hard disk drives (HDDs), which use magnetic media (one or more spinning disks), SSDs use electronic media (NAND flash chips) for storage.

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Optimism for DRAM Rises Despite Tablet Threat

As stronger demand for laptop and desktop computers with new microprocessors from Intel and AMD drives stronger PC buying, analysts and market researchers say that the price of DRAM may tick up in coming months.

Better booting through memory

Researchers at North Carolina State University are working on a new form of computing memory that could speed up PC boot times and give overworked servers a break.

Nanya Technology, Chipmakers Gain After DRAM Prices Surge Most Since July

Leading memory-chip makers higher after the benchmark spot price for dynamic random access memory chips surged the most since July, Nanya jumped 6.1 percent.

Apple DRAM demand set to push PC prices higher

Taiwan's largest memory chip-maker is predicting that demand for memory components will hit an all-time high as Apple sucks inventories dry, leading to inevitable price hikes, according to PC World.

Hynix has good year despite poor Q4

Hynix posted consolidated net profit of $98.7 million in the fourth quarter, down 83.2 percent on-year, claiming its earnings were hurt as global economic uncertainties led to weak demand for personal computers, causing a supply glut and a steep decline in chip prices.

NAND Market Set for Big Growth in 2011 Due to Phone, Tablet Sales

Up 18 percent from $18.7 billion in 2010 (itself a 38 percent rise over 2009), industry researcher iSuppli predicts NAND flash revenue this year will reach $22.0 billion.

Unity Enters Joint Development Program with Micron Technology to Develop a Replacement for Flash Memories

Unity Semiconductor Corporation has entered into a joint development agreement with Micron Technology to develop CMOx™, an innovative solution for non-volatile solid-state memory to replace NAND.

Powerchip readies 40nm Nand Flash Chip

Successfully transitioned NAND flash production to 40nm from 75nm, Powerchip Technology has begun sampling new products including low-voltage 1.8V NAND chips.

Toshiba back on track despite losses

Not long ago, Toshiba's prospects were dim – they had scrapped its efforts in the HD DVD arena and, at the time, the NAND flash market was in a major downturn. Although sales are projected to remain somewhat flat this year, Toshiba is planning to move to black in fiscal 2011.

Micron COO sees mixed memory demand

According to Mark Durcan, president and chief operating officer at Micron Technology Inc, there is a mixed picture for memory in 2011. DRAM is ''bumpy.'' NAND flash is robust. And surprisingly, NOR is stable.