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Everything You Always Wanted to Know About SDRAM (Memory)

@ 2010/08/16

It’s coming up on a year since we published our last memory review; possibly the longest hiatus this section of the site has ever seen. To be honest, the reason we’ve refrained from posting much of anything is because things haven’t changed all that much over the last year – barring a necessary shift towards low-voltage oriented ICs (~1.30V to ~1.50V) from the likes of Elpida and PSC. Parts of these types will eventually become the norm as memory controllers based on smaller and smaller process technology, like Intel’s 32nm Gulftown, gain traction in the market.

While voltage requirements have changed for the better, factors relating to important memory timings like CL and tRCD haven’t seen an improvement; we’re almost at the same point we were a year ago. Back then Elpida provided a glimpse of promise with their Hyper-series of ICs. The Hyper part was capable of high-speed, low-latency operation in tandem. Unfortunately, due to problems with long-term reliability, Hyper is now defunct. Corsair and perhaps Mushkin still have enough stock to sell for a while, but once it's gone, that’s it.

Comment from Massman @ 2010/08/16

Back in the old days, you increased the memory frequency to gain bandwidth, but nowadays triple (and quad) channel provides enough bandwidth already ... no point in high memory frequencies.

Comment from thorgal @ 2010/08/16

I was just contemplating the same the other day. Had a great time reviewing memory kits for madshrimps the last couple of years, but there's just no point any more, at least when you look at the last year.

I hope things will improve again, but judging by the Anand article, they don't expect any improvement either, certainly when you look at the limited overclocking that Sandy Bridge (supposedly) will bring.

Comment from jmke @ 2010/08/16

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmke

possibly the longest hiatus this section of the site has ever seen.

I see a dull future ahead as most other review sections will become very inactive as the market continues to stagnate and tech websites will find it harder and harder to find interesting info regarding existing product categories.

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