New Challenger: KLEVV DRAM Modules, ‘House Brand’ of SK Hynix
 

The DRAM market, especially at the consumer level, is a cut and thrust business. Margins are small on a per-module basis, but with the right volume it can make several companies earn a tidy profit. If they move into the server market, there is even more potential. But for now, the three main DRAM IC manufacturers are Micron, Samsung and SK Hynix.

Each reseller of DRAM modules buys or bids on batches of ICs from these companies, does internal binning to see which speeds it can reach, and arranges the modules for the market. Certain batches of ICs, such as Hynix MFR, are expensive due to their high overclocking capability for example. On the open market, it can be a free for all. But some companies have additional leverage.

Samsung use their own ICs and sell DRAM modules under their own name. Micron also sells their own DRAM in modules for the bulk customers, and their Crucial brand which gets the pick of the components in the consumer business. The only player without a ‘house brand’ so to speak is SK Hynix. This is where the name ‘KLEVV’ comes in.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/8927/n...nd-of-sk-hynix