Faster RAM tackles data and marketplace bottlenecks

Author

Paulson, Linda Dailey

Volume

35

Issue

4

fYear

2002

fDate

4/1/2002 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

17

Lastpage

19

Abstract

Random access memory (RAM) has long been considered a low-profile computing technology, lacking the impact of wireless networking and other hot areas of development. RAM´s profile dropped even lower after the memory market fell into a severe slump several years ago and vendors started leaving the industry. However, as microprocessors have become much more powerful, RAM has become important again as a data bottleneck that is holding back PC and laptop performance gains. In response, vendors are developing more powerful RAM technologies. This has not only improved computer performance, it has also yielded considerable competition in the RAM marketplace and some important changes in the industry. As this has occurred, the cost per megabit of RAM has continued to fall. Thus, while the RAM market is still hurting because of low product prices, the technology is generating more interest

Keywords

DP industry; costing; microcomputers; performance evaluation; random-access storage; PC performance; RAM technology development; cost; data bottleneck; industry changes; laptop computers; market slump; marketplace bottleneck; marketplace competition; memory access speed; product prices; random access memory; Clocks; Costs; Fabrication; Lead compounds; Marketing and sales; Pins; Random access memory; Read-write memory; SDRAM; Space technology;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Computer

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-9162

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/MC.2002.993766

Filename

993766