OCZ Launches AMD AM3/DDR3 Optimized Memory

OCZ Technology Introduces AMD Optimized Memory for the AM3 Platform that Meets Low-Voltage Requirements for a Future-Proof System


San Jose, Calif.—April 13, 2009—OCZ Technology Group, a worldwide leader in innovative, ultra-high performance and high reliability memory, today expanded their memory lineup for AMD enthusiasts and power users with new DDR3 kits qualified and optimized specifically for the AM3 platform. The new low-voltage kits were designed exclusively for AMD’s transition to DDR3 and are tailored to make full use of the latest computing environments as well as establish a future-proof system with restricted voltage requirements.

“AMD’s new AM3 architecture is designed specifically for the gaming community, with emphasis on high data transfer rates between the system memory and the graphics subsystem,” commented Dr. Michael Schuette, VP of Technology Development at OCZ. “The key improvement over the AM2 platform is the embracing of DDR3 technology where OCZ has a track record of being a market leader. These new AMD kits further establish our leading role in this category and show our commitment to both industry partners and the gaming community by complementing AMD’s gaming platform with future-oriented, low voltage memory technology.”

OCZ’s newest 1600MHz and 1333MHz Low-Voltage kits are optimized to leverage AMD’s DDR3 platform for an enhanced real world computing experience, particularly beneficial for enthusiasts, gamers, and professionals whose systems demand superior compatibility. Featuring a low-voltage specification, the new AMD optimized memory will be an excellent way to future-proof your system with impending CPU voltage limitations on the next generation platforms.

OCZ will release the low-voltage AMD Edition kits under the award-winning Platinum and Gold series designed specifically for enthusiasts and gamers:

OCZ PC3-12800 Platinum AMD Edition Low Voltage (2x2GB) 7-7-7-24 @ 1.65v
OCZ PC3-12800 Gold AMD Edition Low Voltage (2x2GB) 8-8-8-24 @ 1.65v
OCZ PC3-10666 Platinum Low Voltage AMD Edition (2x2GB) 7-7-7-20 @ 1.65v
OCZ PC3-10666 Gold AMD Edition Low Voltage (2x2GB) 9-9-9-20 @ 1.65v

Each module is 100% hand-tested for quality assurance and compatibility and feature high quality gold or platinum mirrored XTC (Xtreme Thermal Convection) heatspreaders for the most effective heat dissipation. As part of OCZ’s line-up of premium memory, the AMD Edition memory series is backed by a Lifetime Warranty and industry-leading technical support for unparalleled peace of mind.

Source: OCZ Press Release

A-DATA Launches the World’s Fastest CompactFlash Card 350X

With the insistence on high quality products and the breakthrough of innovation, A-DATA Technology introduces the Turbo Series CF 350X memory card especially for professional photographers. The excellent data transferring of the read speed at 52MB/sec and the write speed at 47MB/sec along with the availability of 8GB and 16GB make Turbo CF 350X the perfect partner for your high-end cameras.

Turbo Series CF 350X supports dual-channel data transferring and UDMA 0-5 mode as well as MDMA 0-4 mode of high-level digital cameras. Under the Ultra DMA mode 5 and IDE interface, the write speed can reach up to 47MB/sec. In addition, users can store up to 1,500 photos of RAW file in the high-capacity memory card and do not have to worry about inadequate space for photos. Using original SLC flash memory (Single-Level-Cell), Turbo CF 350X is more power consumption and able to deliver outstanding performance. With the advantages of stability and high capacity, users can enjoy the pleasant feeling of non-stop shooting and continuous filming.

For those who seek for outstanding performance and high-resolution photos, A-DATA Turbo Series CF 350X memory card will definitely brings out the best of your high-level digital camera!

Product Features:

• 350X Turbo speed performance with read speed at 52MB/sec and write speed at 47MB/sec
• Dual-channel support (Ultra DMA mode 0~5 , IDE PIO mode 6, MDMA 0~4)
• Low power consumption and RoHS compliant
• Original SLC flash memory to deliver outstanding performance

Product Specification:

• Capacity: 8GB/16GB
• Dimension: 42.8 x 36.4 x 33 mm (L x W x D)
• Weight: 11.4g

Source: Official A-Data Press Release

IBM 'Racetrack' Nano-Magnetic Memory

IBM has announced that they are developing a new type of memory which will be faster than current hard drives and flash memory while offering about 100 times the storage capacity. Dubbed “Racetrack,” the technology is similar to flash memory in that it has no moving parts, which reduces the likelihood of mechanical malfunction. However, unlike flash memory, which can typically last 100,000 read-write cycles before problems emerge, "racetrack" can supposedly be endlessly rewritten with no wear and tear.

Using spintronics--the storage of bits generated by the magnetic spin of electrons rather than their charge--a proof-of-concept shift register was recently demonstrated by IBM. The prototype encodes bits into the magnetic domain walls along the length of a silicon nanowire, or racetrack. IBM uses "massless motion" to move the magnetic domain walls along the nanowire for the storage and retrieval of information.



"We have now demonstrated a current-controlled, domain-wall, shift register which is the fundamental, underlying technology for racetrack memory," said Stuart Parkin of IBM's Almaden Research Center. "We use current pulses to move a series of domain walls along a nanowire, which is not possible to do with magnetic fields."

IBM stated tey hope to have a prototype ready within 2 to 4 years, with mass production possibly within 7 years.

Memory prices drop again analyst expect good eals through June.

DRAM prices drop again; deals likely through June

A glut in the memory market is keeping prices down

Users looking to add more dynamic RAM to their PCs are likely to see bargains throughout May and June as prices of memory chips continue to crash.

The contract price of the most widely used DRAM -- 512Mbit, 667-MHz double data rate, second generation (DDR2) chips -- slid below $2 for the first time in the first half of May. The chips dropped 8.8% from mid-April to $1.94 per chip, according to DRAMeXchange Technology Inc., a Taiwan-based company that runs an online DRAM market.

That's great news for users. Falling DRAM rates can help offset recent increases in prices for LCD panels and keep PC prices in check. Users wanting to boost their systems' speed can also add more DRAM at a low cost. These prices aren't likely to last longer than the next few months. At $1.94 each, the chips are well below the $2.50 to $3 cost of production for chip makers, which will likely shift their production strategies in order to reverse the decline.

The second half of the year is also the strongest for PC sales, another factor that could stop the current downward trend.

DRAMeXchange said the DRAM market appears to be weaker than expected in May and June, and many companies in the supply chain, including module makers and PC vendors, have already built up inventories. Prices won't rebound until these inventories are drawn down.

The fall below $2 was also significant because of its relative ease, noted Gartner Inc. There was less resistance at that psychologically important level than expected, the industry researcher said.

Even though chip makers are producing DRAM at a loss, prices may not rebound quickly. The companies have to continue selling the chips to bring in cash so they can pay for their expensive DRAM factories. They could try shifting some production to other products, such as NAND flash memory and image sensors, where prices are firmer, but it takes months to tweak production lines for such a change. BY making that kind of shift, they could miss an uptick in the DRAM market.

Around three-fourths of all DRAM chips are bought and sold through contracts between DRAM makers and major PC vendors such as Dell Inc. Prices are renegotiated twice per month. The remaining one-fourth is sold on open spot markets, like commodities such as oil and gold.

Contract prices of the chips have fallen 67% since the start of the year, when they were fetching $5.95 each. Although many analysts watch DRAM prices as an indication that PC shipments might be slowing down, that's not likely the case this time.

DRAMeXchange said the decline was caused by chip makers switching some production lines to DRAM from NAND flash memory, which had seen prices fall for nearly six months before recently stabilizing. The change has caused an oversupply in DRAM, while the glut in NAND flash memory has eased. There does not appear to be any problem with the PC market, analysts said.