Lexar Media announced today the immediate availability of Crucial Ballistix Tracer PC3-10600 (DDR3-1333MHz) high-performance, low-latency memory modules. These modules are the first Crucial DDR3 Tracers, and as such they incorporate the company's proprietary activity-indicating Light-Emitting Diodes (LED). These new modules feature a black printed circuit board (PCB) and black integrated heat spreaders, as well as an additional eight blue ground-effects LEDs that emit constantly, when the system is running. Crucial is shipping now the Ballistix Tracer DDR3 memory in single 1GB ($54.99) and 2GB ($99.99) modules, as well as in 2GB ($109.99) and 4GB ($199.99) kits. All Tracer DDR3 parts operate at 1333MHz with CL6-6-6-20 latencies and 1.8V.

Elpida Memory, Japan's leading global supplier of Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), announced today that it has developed a shrunken version of its 1-gigabit DDR2 SDRAM that delivers 20% more chips from a single 300mm wafer. Volume production of the new shrunken chip is expected to begin before the end of 2008 and will be shared among Elpida's Hiroshima Plant, its Taiwan-based Rexchip joint venture and its manufacturing partner PSC.

Samsung Electronics Co., the world leader in advanced memory technology, announced today that it is sampling the industry's smallest two gigabit (Gb) DDR3 devices. By using 50 nanometer (nm) class circuit technology, productivity of the new devices is 60 percent higher than DDR2 devices of an equivalent density. The new 2Gb DDR3-based modules, which enable use of up to 16 gigabyte (GB) RIMMs (registered in-line memory modules), will save over 40 percent of the power of 1Gb DDR3 memory modules.
"We have focused on maximizing density alternatives and power savings to make our 2Gb DDR3 solution as flexible as possible for designers," said Jim Elliott, Vice President, Memory, Samsung Semiconductor, Inc.

Thanks to some inside information that was published today by various hardware portals, now we know that Intel has decided to enhance the overclocking capabilities of two of its still to be released non-Extreme Core i7 processors. Intel's LGA 1366 Core i7-940 and Core i7-920, which are clocked at 2.93GHz and 2.66GHz respectively will now boast unlocked memory controlers, meaning that users will be able to change the memory multiplier and thus the memory frequency beyond the stock DDR3 800/1066MHz speed. The unlocked memory multiplier will also allow the QPI speed to be changed. The Quick Path Interconnect (QPI) bus resembles AMD's Hypertransport bus. A slide change in the memory frequency will result in higher QPI bus speed, just like in the current AMD processor family. Previously, we knew that only the Core i7 Extreme processors like the 3.2GHz Core i7-965 Extreme Edition will have these overclocking features. I sincerely hope that with this last minute change Intel will make us overclockers really happy.

IBM announced today that it has entered into a joint development agreement with Taiwan's Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) to further explore "Racetrack Memory," an entirely new approach to solid state memory. Racetrack Memory was conceived by IBM Fellow Dr. Stuart Parkin at IBM's Almaden Research Center in San Jose, CA. Racetrack Memory is an exciting and highly innovative concept that builds upon IBM's significant accomplishments in the research and development of nanomaterials and nanodevices based on the manipulation of spin-polarized electrical current," said Dr. T.C. Chen, IBM Fellow and Vice President, Science & Technology, IBM Research.

Intel's upcoming Nehalem architecture brings in a host of changes. One of the most important of them is that the processors now carry memory controllers. From what is known so far, the upcoming Nehalem processors come with official support for DDR3 800 MHz and DDR3 1066 MHz though talk is that it just could slip in DDR3 1333 MHz support on an official scale. Here's a complication: Some of the computer enthusiasts with plans of retaining their current DDR3 1800/2000/beyond may have severe problems running the memory at their rated frequencies on a Nehalem chip. They might not work on their rated frequencies at all.

The reason behind this is that Nehalem has processor and memory voltages synchronized. Fresh studies suggest that a voltage of 2.0 V can fry a Nehalem processor. It was earlier noted that this voltage limit was 1.60 V to 1.70 V. It would need extreme caution for you to set the core to run at even 1.8 V since at that voltage the processor could start degrading and finally cease to work. The conclusion is that the Nehalem platform, with its synchronized CPU and memory voltages, will be limited by the DDR3 modules ability to reach high frequencies at lower voltages. This could have implications on the kind of memory kits that come out in the near future. Manufacturers could offer high-end kits that function well within 1.6 V with the supposedly high frequencies albeit loose timings, just to keep the memory and processor operating safely.

Patriot Memory, a global provider of premium quality memory module and flash memory solutions, today unveiled their 4GB DDR3 2000MHz low latency Viper series memory kit. The newest addition to Patriot's Viper series, the 2000MHz kit boasts both high-density and high-frequency, enhancing overclocking capabilities for gamers and PC enthusiasts alike on today's latest DDR3 platforms.

Kingston Technology Company, the independent world leader in memory products, today announced it is first to release high performance, ultra low-latency 800MHz notebook memory. Shipping immediately in 4GB memory kits, the HyperX PC2-6400 CL4 SO-DIMMs offer the additional benefit of Serial Presence Detect (SPD) capabilities to provide performance benefits to a wider array of notebooks.

MSI, a leading manufacturer of motherboard products, unveils its latest "P45-D8 Memory Lover" motherboard which is equipped with eight memory slots. When users want to upgrade the motherboard, they can use the current DDR2 memory to save money as well, also retain the future escalation of the DDR3 memory flexibility. When the price of DDR3 memory declines, users can utilize this to increase the performance.

The new MSI P45-8D Memory Lover motherboard is powered by the latest Intel P45 Express chipset. It supports the Intel Core 2 Extreme / Quad and other multi-core processors with an FSB up to 1600MHz. The main feature of P45-8D Memory Lover is the superb memory expansion flexibility. It has a total of eight memory slots which users can expand to 16GB by using four DDR2 memory or 8GB by using four DDR3 memory.

Addressing the never ending need for greater amounts of system memory, OCZ Technology Group, Inc., a worldwide leader in innovative ultra-high performance and high reliability memory, today announced all new "P45 Special" 4GB modules, a module density optimized specifically for Intel 's latest chipset. Available in 8GB dual channel kits and a special 16GB "quad kit," this new line of modules support the latest memory-hungry applications and games, offering superior performance gains. As an industry first, OCZ brings memory densities to the desktop segment that were reserved previously for high-end server configurations, offering a unique range of high-density kits to suit the varying requirements and budgets of everyday consumers.

Mushkin Enhanced, a leading manufacturer of high performance PC - components, announces the immediate availability of the three best-selling 2x 2GB DDR2 memory kits of 2008 announced its PCB used a special feature. Instead of the familiar green PCBs, Mushkin has invented something special. Based on the slogan "Black is beautiful" is the new X-line 8 series using "Challenger 8" series PCBs. Casemodders and all others who lay emphasis on special details, will be pleased with the black 8 SKILLED "Challenger" PCB. The black PCB now fits perfectly with the other PC components in the interior life and evaluates the overall picture.

The X-Line modules are now available in the following specifications:

• 4096 MB, XP2-6400, 4-4-4-12 Dual Pack (2x 2048 MB), with EPP, Retail, X-Line (996580X)
• 4096 MB, XP2-6400, 4-4-4-12 Dual Pack (2x 2048 MB), with EPP, Retail, X-Line (996580wX)
• 4096 MB, XP2-8000, 5-5-5-15 Dual Pack (2x 2048 MB), REDLINE, with EPP, Retail, X-Line (996593X)

Images provided in the order 996580X, 996580wX and 996593X:

The overclocking memory module specialist, Walton Chaintech Corporation, today debuts the APOGEE GT Blazer DDR3 1800 4GB Low Voltage Memory Module. Supporting EPP 2.0 as well, APOGEE GT Blazer DDR3 1800 4GB kit attains the lowest voltage of 1.8V compared with other memory modules of similar speed in current market place for more power saving operation, and longer product life.

OCZ Technology Group, Inc., a worldwide leader in innovative, ultra-high performance and high reliability memory and PC components, today announced the first memory modules available in their Fatal1ty Series after the partnership was announced last month. These high-performance memory kits were co-developed with the expertise of Johnathan "Fatal1ty" Wendel, 12-time World champion, to meet the specific needs of fellow gamers. OCZ Fatal1ty Professional Series kits are the official memory modules of Championship Gaming Series (CGS), and feature incredible performance to power through the latest PC titles and contribute to the success of professionals and everyday gamers.

"OCZ worked closely with Fatal1ty and his team to design new memory kits that pair perfectly with the top selling motherboards for a superior gaming experience," commented Alex Mei, Chief Marketing Officer of the OCZ Technology Group. "Fatal1ty knows what it takes to win at the highest level of eSports, and these new kits deliver superior stability and performance to gamers whether you are a professional player on the Championship Gaming Series, or a weekend warrior looking to dominate when playing the latest titles."

Admidst the a virtual arms race between the two giants of the discrete graphics industry, information trickles about the memory configurations that the mid-range RV730 (Radeon HD4650 / HD4670) and entry-level RV710 (Radeon HD4450 / HD4470) come in.

NordicHardware reports that two different GDDR3 memory configurations could be seen with RV710. Both configurations operate at 800MHz, but the density varies from 512MB Hynix memory to 1024MB Samsung chips. This points to that the HD4450 and HD4470 models will be separated by GPU clock. RV730 offers a bit more variation with three different clock frequencies and two different densities. One 700MHz 512MB model, and two 900MHz models, of which one sports 512MB Hynix memory and one sports 1024MB Samsung chips. And finally, there is one model with 512MB Hynix memory operating at 1000MHz. It is assumed that the Radeon HD 4650 is the 700MHz cards, while the 4670 model is represented by the three remaining cards.

Corsair, announced today the launch of their new Mac Memory kits made especially for the newest Mac Pro desktop systems. The new Corsair Mac Memory kits are fully-buffered 800MHz solutions, available immediately in 4GB (2 x 2GB modules) DIMM kits.

The new Corsair Memory Line for the Mac Pro is immediately available through Corsair's authorized distributors and resellers world-wide, priced at $250 for the 4GB Mac Memory kit. Corsair memory products are backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty. Complete customer support via telephone, email, forum and Technical Service Xpress is also available.

Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced that its HyperX 1800MHz DDR3 memory has been certified under the Intel Extreme Memory Profile (Intel XMP) validation program to offer PC builders and gaming enthusiasts, more performance memory options and tuning flexibility when constructing high-performance systems using select Intel X38/X48-series chipsets.

OCZ Technology Group today unveiled a blazing fast DDR3 addition to the new Flex II memory series. These premium modules run at incredibly fast 2000MHz speeds at CL8-8-8 timings for added performance to high-end systems with integrated water-cooling. Designed to the very core to offer enthusiasts the thermal management innovation of hybrid water and passive cooling, the new PC3-16000 Flex II Series offers rock-solid stability and performance for your high-end gaming or overclocking system.

Corsair, a worldwide leader in enthusiast computer and flash memory products, announced today the launch of their new Corsair high-density Memory Line for Mac Pro desktop systems. Made especially for the high performance demands of the Mac market, the new Corsair Mac Pro Memory Kits are fully buffered 667MHz solutions, available immediately in 2GB (2 x 1GB modules) and 4GB (2 x 2GB modules) DIMM kits.

Heatpipes certainly seem to be the big thing in cooling at the moment, and memory is no exception. As this year's Intel Developer Forum, Kingston has been showing-off some dual-heatpipe HyperX RAM modules, as you can see in the image below. There's no firm information about specs or availability yet, but you can expect these modules to have tight timings and clock quite nicely - although they aren't likely to be particularly affordable.

Corsair announced today their NVIDIA 790i Ultra SLI high-performance DDR3 partner memory offerings, including a record-breaking 2GHz module.

After extensive partnership efforts between NVIDIA and Corsair, the NVIDIA 790i Ultra SLI platform was found to exhibit extreme overclocking capabilities with the latest in DDR3 memory architectures. All Corsair SLI-ready partner memory is pre-loaded with EPP2, the latest in memory performance specifications. EPP2 is designed to deliver an automatic memory performance boost for enthusiasts when used with the 790i Ultra SLI platform.

Corsair announced today the world's first high performance memory modules made especially for the Mac. The new Corsair memory modules are the industry's first low latency modules specifically tuned for the new MacBook and MacBook Pro laptop computers.

Memory manufacturer Kingston has managed to achieve unprecedented memory speeds using overclocked HyperX DDR3 modules combined with NVIDIA's next-generation core-logic. The company managed to take its memory from stock speeds of 2.0GHz to 2.13GHz (a 6.5% overclock) using NVIDIA's nForce 790i chipset without any special cooling systems, although no details of voltages or latencies were disclosed. Up until now, the fastest DDR3 memory has only been capable of running at 2GHz - a figure which Kingston, A-Data, Walton Chaintech and Corsair have all managed to reach. The modules used, which were the so-far unannounced Kingston HyperX PC3-16000 (KHX16000D2K2/2G) modules, will be available during the first quarter of this year - so presumably within the next month.

When the going gets rough, people simply don't see a need to spend so much on luxuries. A prevalent example is Apple. Now that the economy as a whole is slowing down, Apple is realizing that people simply aren't going to buy a gazillion iPhones and iPods this year. Considering the majority of the aforementioned devices used memory from NAND, Apple suddenly decided that they don't need to buy so much memory from NAND after all. Estimates of growth for NAND suddenly took a turn for the worse, going from upwards of 30% to a rather low single-digit number. Unfortunately for NAND, this announcement comes after NAND decided to increase capital investment by 20%. DRAM, on the other hand, has it worse. They've already predicted abysmal growth, but with a continuing demand for low RAM prices, abysmal growth translates into extreme losses.

Corsair, a worldwide leader in high performance computer and flash memory products, announced today that new record breaking speeds have been achieved within the Corsair DDR2 and DDR3 lines of DRAM memory.

Available by the end of February, two new Corsair 4GB DDR2 module speed grades are being offered for high-performance enthusiast users: Corsair 1066MHz (PC2-8500) and 1142MHz (PC2-9136) 4GB memory kits (2X2GB). The new memory modules utilize Corsair's patented DHX technology, which employs a specially designed quadruple heat sink to dissipate heat through both convection and conductive methods. The results are maximum performance and extreme over-clocking capability for the demanding gaming enthusiast.

While memory prices continue to fall, allowing gamers and hardware enthusiasts everywhere to splurge on memory, it would seem as though this "golden age" of cheap memory is coming to an end. Hynix, mainly thanks to ridiculously low DRAM prices, reported a net loss of a half billion dollars last year. Hynix is also none too happy to announce that they do not expect things to get much better. DRAM prices are low/falling, and are expected to stay that way for quite some time. There are currently rumors that Hynix may consider exiting the memory business, despite strong sales in NAND flash technology.