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Intel's view on double data rate memory…
...it's kind of a throwaway thing
The same roadmap we saw two days ago which revealed the price of Merced (Itanium) chips has also revealed Intel's view about double date rate memory (DDR).
For quite some months, many in the PC industry have been puzzled as to why Intel is choosing DDR for the server market and Rambus is the memory technology of choice for the desktop. [Maybe they should read the contract between Rambus and Intel - Ed]
But Intel has quite clearly delineated its stance on DDR in the document we have seen, aimed at its OEMs but clearly excluding the Dell Corporation.
One slide we were shown is perfectly clear about the server market and according to our extensive handwritten notes says: "Intel has selected to support DDR in servers. The main issue with Rambus memory in servers is the maximum memory size, volume density and also "chipkill", which is not an issue in the data processing market."
Further, Intel's DDR focus is on 100MHz (200MT/s) registered DDR DIMMs, and will be used in the mid range and high end four way server market - which, by the by, seems to be the initial target for the Foster (nee Willamette) plaform.
Intel is pursuing every course possible to create six plus layer server designs with 100MHz registered DIMMs, and is also working directly with the Dramurai vendors to ensure continuity.
Rambus doesn't even get a look-in on the server roadmaps we were shown. Oh, and by the way, there are three flavours of Willamette, not two. Intel is telling its dealers and distributors there are two but the roadmap we have seen mentions one more flavour.
But more of that tomorrow, and the day after that. We think the next installment should be the price changes this coming Sunday. ®