New Delhi : INTEL, the largest manufacturer of computer microprocessors and chipsets, has decided to use Rambus Dynamic Random Access Memory (RDRAM) as standard memory in its future chipsets. So far, SDRAM has been used by Intel. The introduction of RDRAM, according to hardware experts, is seen as an end of the SDRAM in the computer hardware market. The move has resulted a glut in the retail memory market as all the channels carrying SDRAM are being vacated in panic. The prices of conventional memory have also touched the rock bottom. The 64 MB SDRAM with PC 100 MHz speed is available for less then Rs 2500 in the market. The same memory was being sold at around Rs 4,000 a couple of months ago.When contacted, Intel official confirmed that the company will be using RDRAMs in place of SDRAM because of performance reasons. According to the Technical Support Manager of Intel Asia Electronic, Mr Mahesh Rao, "Intel recognises the market place trends and is incorporating RDRAM in all of its performance segment chipsets as it provides the best performance with very high bandwidth and throughput compared to SDRAM or other technologies." RDRAMs or has been developed by a US-based company, Rambus. The company is also manufacturing the memory for Intel. However, SDRAM or Synchronised Dynamic Random Access Memory is manufactured by many companies across the world including Samsung, Hyundai, etc.
When asked about the association of Intel and Rambus, Mr Rao said, "Intel always works with the vendors of various new initiatives for a PC so as to make the use of PCs to be very easy and great experience. Since Rambus memories are new and provide better performance, it works closely with those memory vendors to help get their product to the market place faster by providing the evaluation platforms." When contacted, one of the Intel dealers in Delhi also confirmed that the new Intel chipset are coming with RDRAM modules. According to Mr P K Sharma of Comnet Vision, "The latest chipset of Intel currently available in the market 810E already has RDRAM module on it.
The new chipsets for Pentium IV will also come with RDRAM." Mr Sharma agreed that the advent of RDRAM will slowly make SDRAM out of date. However, it will take some time, he said adding that the memory market has over-reacted to the new development. The memory prices have gone down because of panic release of the stocks resulting into the oversupply, said Mr Sharma.
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