DDR3 becoming cheaper than DDR2

It seems we are in the middle of a slight memory shortage. Both DDR2 and DDR3 have been steadily increasing in price in recent months. Here in Vancouver, it was not unheard of to see 4GBs of DDR2 for around $40 CDN on sale, last summer -- now, prices have doubled, to around the $90 CDN mark for an inexpensive 2x2GB kit. 

And if you think you might be able to save some cash by sticking with DDR2 instead of DDR3 with a new computer purchase, think again. Across North America, DDR2 and DDR3 have reached a rough price paritity.

According to EETimes quoting Samsung, one of the world's largest memory makers, the memory market is in a "sensitive point" and shortages of "DDR2 are more severe than DDR3." DDR2 has been in over-abudance for the last few years, and most production has since shifted to DDR3. A small boom in demand for DDR3 has lowered overall supply, and the large stockpiles of DDR2 are finally drying up a bit. 

As we go forward from this point, it seems likely that DDR3 will remain cheaper than DDR2.

DDR2 kits in 8GB and 16GB sizes, DDR3 kits offered for P55 motherbards

GeIL has announced the release of eight new high capacity DDR2 modules as part of its Black Dragon and B.D. EVO ONE series of high performance memory products along with six new DDR3 memory models designed for Intel Core i5 and Core i7 processors running on the upcoming P55 chipset motherboards.

The new DDR2 kits come in 8GB (2 x 4GB) and 16GB (4 x 4GB) capacities running at PC2-5400 667MHz and PC2-6400 800MHz speeds; all come with CL 6-6-6-18 timings and are rated at 1.8V. GeIL has developed its own DBT (Die-hard Burn-in Technology) where each module is stressed, or burned-in, at elevated temperatures for as long as 24 hours to eliminate early-failure modules and ultimately provides the highest quality products to users.

The Black Dragon series features a eight-layer PCB with red LEDs incorporated in the dragon logo on the face of the modules. The B.D. EVO ONE series uses an enhanced heat spreader that GeIL calls MTCD technology which incorporates a heatpipe into the spreaders which transfers heat to an array of copper fins located in the center of the heat pipe.

The new DDR3 models are specifically designed for Intel "Lynnfield" Core i5/i7 processors and are being offered under the Ultra and Gaming EVO ONE series. The Ultra series gets updated with a pair of 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3 modules clocked at 2000MHz and 2133MHz and come equipped with aluminum heat spreaders. The Gaming EVO ONE models are rated at the same 2000MHz and 2133MHz speeds but come in 4GB (2 x 2GB) and 8GB (4 x 2GB) kits; as with its DDR2 EVO ONE brethren the modules use the MTCD heat sink technology. Each DDR3 kit comes in CL 9-9-9-28 latencies and all are rated at 1.65V as per the DDR3 specs.

GeIL did not release any further information regarding pricing or when the kits would become available.

8GB and 12GB kits optimized for P55 and X58 motherboards

Corsair recently announced a pair of new memory kits designed specifically for Core i5 and Core i7 processors. These DIMMs are available in both dual and triple channel configurations and are specifically tuned for Intel CPUs.

Additionally, with the new Intel Core i5/i7 LGA1156 socket Lynnfield processors due out soon, they have launched a new dual channel DDR3 memory kit (part number CMD8GX3M4A1600C8) that consists of four matched 2GB modules and is optimized for P55 motherboards. In addition, Corsair is launching a new 12GB triple channel DDR3 kit (part number CMD12GX3M6A1600C8) for Core i7 processors running on X58 chipset motherboards that consists of 6 x 2GB modules.

“Windows 7 early adopters and other power users have recently been demanding 8GB and 12GB performance memory solutions to optimize their computing experience,” stated John Beekley, Vice President of Technical Marketing at Corsair. “These 8GB and 12GB configurations will allow these advanced users to get the most out of their high performance rigs, particularly if they often switch between demanding tasks like gaming and video production.”

Both modules come with Intel XMP profiles set at 1600MHz and CAS latency settings of 8-8-8-24. As with its previous sets of Dominator memory, the kits feature Corsair's DHX+ (Dual-path Heat eXchange Plus) technology with removable cooling fins and an Airflow fan. However, these new memory modules come in American Racing Blue fins and highlights instead of the red fins offered previously.

Corsair didn't disclose pricing or availability of the new memory products although some online sites have the dual-channel 8GB modules listed for $250-$260US.

'Capcom Action Pack' bundles PC version with select memory

Patriot Memory has announced an exclusive licensing agreement with Capcom that allows them to offer 'Capcom Action Packs', the latest of which bundles Street Fighter IV for the PC with Patriot memory products.

Currently Patriot is offering a downloadable copy of the PC game with its 128GB Xporter Magnum, the 32GB Xporter Boost, its complete Torqx SSD series, and three of its top gaming modules for both DDR2 and DDR3. All told there are eight new part numbers involved, so if you're in the market for some new DDR3 memory, or maybe a solid state drive or two, here's a chance to score a copy of a pretty cool PC game for free.

Patriot didn't reveal pricing or availability on the new bundles.

Platinum and Gold series dual-channel kits for Lynnfield processors

OCZ today announced new dual-channel DDR3 memory kits specifically tailored to the upcoming Intel P55 chipset motherboards and the Core i7/i5 Lynnfield processors using the new LGA1556 socket.

The new additions comprise a total of six 4GB kits covering three speeds - PC3-15000 (1866MHz), PC3-12800 (1600MHz) and PC3-10666 (1333MHz) - in both the Platinum and Gold series. The Platinum series features timings of CL 9-9-9-27 (PC3-15000), CL 7-7-7-24 (PC3-12800) and CL 7-7-7-20 (PC3-10666). The Gold series modules represent a step down in terms of performance with slightly looser timings of CL 10-10-10-27 (PC3-15000), CL 8-8-8-24 CL (PC3-12800) and CL 9-9-9-20 (PC3-10666).

With the new Core i5 and Core i7 Lynnfield processors being targeted at the mainstream market, OCZ has developed the new Gold and Platinum memory series for cost-conscious gamers and enthusiasts. That doesn't mean these are low-end "value" memory modules, though, as “these gaming kits make use of high quality hand screened chips to deliver exceptional performance and stability at surprisingly low voltages when paired with the latest Intel processors and chipset," according to Alex Mei, CMO for the OCZ Technology Group.

All the new parts are low-voltage modules designed to run at 1.65V and come equipped with OCZ's proprietary XTC (Xtreme Thermal Convection) heatspreaders for greater heat-dissipation properties and are backed by a lifetime warranty.

4GB and 8GB dual-channel matched kits in speeds from 133MHz to 2000MHz

With all the attention being paid to the pending release of Intel's Lynnfield processors based on the P55/LGA1156 platform, it's sometimes easy to overlook the other components needed for a build based on the new architecture. We've seen previews of some the P55 chipset motherboards along with reviews of CPU coolers designed to fit the LGA1156 socket and now Corsair has announced the launch of a full range of DDR3 dual-channel memory modules engineered for the Core i5 and Core i7 Lynnfield processors.

Corsair's lineup of performance DDR3 memory products include new entrants in its XMS, Dominator and Dominator GT series and range in speeds of 1333MHz to 2000MHz and cover a broad range of price points to fit everyone's budget. There are six new part number being introduced. In the XMS series Corsair has added two 4GB (2 x 2GB) kits with latencies of C8 and c9 at speeds of 1600MHz with pricing in the $117-$130US range. Corsair is also offering two 8GB (2 x 4GB) XMS memory kits in speeds of 1333MHz and 1600MHz both with C9 latencies which can be had in for $230-$240US. For higher performance needs there are two 4GB (2 x 2GB) kits in the Dominator and Dominator GT family. The standard Dominator modules are 1600MHz (C8) with the Dominator GT part rated at 2000MHz (C9). Of course the Dominator GT comes with Corsair's signature red removable heat fins DHX+ heat spreader technology. Prices are expected to be around $230-$240 for these parts.

Corsair has announced immediate availability and several online sites are listing the kits but none seem to have available stock at this point.

$111 worth of discounts, plus a few MIRs

Many manufacturers teamed up to offer customers a mega bundle deal on an AMD Dragon Platform computer, available on Newegg.com. It comprises eight, yes eight components. In other words, what you get is a complete PC. The only thing left to do is build it.

This computer sets you at a not too shabby $679.88 after MIRs, or $719.88 without. Moreover, you get free shipping on this large package. Buying each part separately would cost you $831.81 and most probably a somewhat steep shipping cost.

With the already awesome price/performance ratio of the dragon platform, this deal just make it even more attracting. Don't miss out on it!

Dual channel extreme and enhanced latency modules in speeds to 2000MHz

Several things change with the upcoming release of the Intel LGA1156 Core i7 and Core i5 processors. The lower pin count on these processors compared to current LGA1366 Core i7 CPUs is due to the fact they use a dual channel memory controller. Patriot Memory is releasing a new series of memory kits called Sector 5 which are specifically engineered for the new P55 chipset and have been optimized for the dual-channel architecture found on the new motherboards.

Patriot is offering two different versions of the Sector 5 gaming modules, the first of which are a series of extreme latency kits with speeds ranging from 1333MHz to 2000MHz and will be outfitted with Patriot's Viper II aluminum heatshield technology. To sweeten the deal, Patriot is also bundling Futuremark's 3DMark Vantage benchmarking software with the Viper II extreme latency kits with speeds of 1600MHz and higher. The second option is a pair of enhanced latency "G" Series modules in speeds of 1333MHz and 1600MHz for users wanting enhanced gaming performance at a more advantageous price.

The new Section 5 modules are all offered as 4GB (2 x 2GB) kits; further details on specifications were not available, but Patriot's current DDR3 extreme latency products in the 1800MHz and 2000MHz speeds offer timings of 8-8-8-24. We'll have to wait until Patriot posts these new products on its web site until we know what the actual specs are.

Low profile ECC memory for blade servers and embedded computers

As space in the data center becomes more valuable, companies are turning to solutions such as blade servers to maximize rack densities. Another trend is toward increased usage of virtualization that reduces the number of physical servers into single servers run multiple virtual machines; a byproduct of this trend is the need for greater memory capacity in each physical server.

Super Talent has risen to the challenge by offering a very low profile (VLP) DDR3-1333 ECC registered DIMM module designed to fit with the tight space constraints required in smaller blade server and embedded computer enclosures. The new 2GB RDIMM are nearly half an inch shorter than traditional DDR3 module measuring only .72 inches tall. Not only do the modules work better in the tight spaces, they also offer better airflow in smaller enclosures such as those used in 1U servers.

The DIMMS are clocked at 1333MHz (PC3-10600) with CL 9 timings, use 40 percent less PCB material and weigh 20 percent less than standard height modules, so there is an added benefit to the environment as less material being used and lower shipping costs. The modules are currently available directly from Super Talent's OEM sales force.

4GB kit with low latency timings of 6-6-6-18

Corsair today announced a new set of memory, part of its Dominator GT family of memory modules, specifically targeted for AMD Phenom II socket AM3 systems. The 4GB (2 x 2GB) kit is clocked at 1600MHz with extremely low latency timings off 6-6-6-18 and a 1T command rate. Coupled with the integrated DDR3 memory controller found on the latest Phenom II processors, AMD has found performance gains of up to 20 percent compared to 1333MHz memory.

As part of the Dominator GT lineup, these modules also feature the DHX+ heatsink incorporating Corsair's dual-path heat exchange technology. This enables the heatsink to cool not only the ICs, but the PCB as well. With the signature red removable fins users have the option of air-cooling with the included fan as well as more advanced cooling using Corsair's Hydro or Ice series coolers.

Since all of the memory chips going in to the Dominator GT modules are hand selected by Corsair's engineers, the 1600MHz CAS 6 Dominator GT kit will only be available directly from Corsair where they're currently listed for USD $349.99. They're also tagged as "Not In Stock/Coming Soon" so you have time to start saving your pennies.

Issues with Elpida Hyper DDR3 ICs resolved

After initial reports of an unusually higher failure rate of DDR3 memory modules using Elpida Hyper memory chips, Corsair opted to remove its Corsair Dominator GT modules from the market earlier this month. Corsair was not alone as other memory manufacturers were experiencing similar problems. Today, Corsair announced it has identified the problems and is re-introducing its Dominator GT line of memory modules.

“The issue with the Hyper RAMs was discovered with the help of the enthusiast community, and we worked closely with them to solve it,” stated John Beekley, VP of Applications Engineering at Corsair. “Our lab was able to correlate the failures to specific batches of early material, we worked very closely with Elpida to determine the root cause of the issue and to define the associated corrective actions to take. We are confident that every GT module using the Elpida Hyper IC Corsair ships from today will meet our strict quality and reliability standard.”

Corsair will be releasing the updated modules with new part numbers to differentiate them from the original kits as follows:

• 6GB kit for Intel Core i7: Part number CMG6GX3M3A2000C7 (3 x 2GB) PC3-16000 DDR3 2000MHz, 7-7-7-20 latency timings
• 4GB kit for AMD Phenom II AM3: Part number CMG4GX3M2A1600C6 (2 x 2GB) PC3-12800 DDR3 1600MHz, 6-6-6-18 latency timings
• 6GB kit for Intel Core i7: Part number CMG6GX3M3A2000C8 (3 x 2GB) PC3-16000 DDR3 2000MHz, 8-8-8-24 latency timings
• 6GB kit for Intel Core i7: Part number CMG6GX3M3A1866C7(3 x 2GB) PC3-15000 DDR3 1866MHz, 7-7-7-20 latency timings

The Dominator GT kits retain their black with red removable cooling fin design and come with the dual-path heat exchange (DHX+) heatsink which allows for the cooling of the front and rear of the ICs as well as the printed circuit board. The removable fins enable more serious cooling options to be used including the Corsair Cooling Hydro Series H30 waterblock and Ice Series T30 thermo-electric cooler.

The New Dominator GT modules should be available withing the next couple of weeks through resellers or directly through the Corsair web store.

Power saving memory kits rated at 1.3V

Gone are the days when manufacturers could ignore the power budgets of computer components. There are 'green' hard drives and videocards among other products as well as efforts to go green by reducing packaging and substituting greater amounts of recyclable components. Today GeIL announced its Green Series line of computer memory that go beyond just reducing the amount of energy involved.

The GeIL DDR3 Green Series of memory comes in four different speed and capacity combinations which require 10-20% less power than the JEDEC standard. The series offers PC3-8500 memory modules in 2GB (2 x 1GB) and 4GB (2 x 2GB) 1066MHz kits with CAS 8-8-8-20 timings. GeIL is also offering PC3-10660 2- and 4GB kits with timings of CAS 9-9-9-24.

Beside reducing the power requirements, GeIL has extended its 'green' efforts beyond the memory to include the working environment, product design, logistic and production to maximize energy saving and minimize CO2 transpiration and is offering the kits in recycled paper pulp packaging.

4GB kits designed for use with AMD OverDrive software

Patriot Memory has launched a new set of co-branded memory kits designed for use on AMD's socket AM3 motherboards. Part of its Gamer Series of high performance memory, the AMD Black Edition Ready G Series is targeted at gaming enthusiasts and overclockers and comes with pre-programmed enhanced latencies for use use with AMD Overdrive overclocking software. The Overdrive software lets users fine-tune their memory bandwidth, timings and voltages from within Windows for those with the latest AMD AM3 processors running on boards with the AMD 7-series chipsets.

Patriot is offering the memory in Low Latency (7-7-7-20) and Enhanced Latency (9-9-9-24) versions. The 4GB (2x2GB) kits are both rated at PC3-12800 (1600MHz) and are equipped with lightweight aluminum heat-dispersing shields. Availability and pricing details were not disclosed.

With illustrations!

Funtasticus has a great new post up showing some of the worst cases of unhealty computer use; amused and inspired, we rounded up our own collection of images -- a humourous break from all the serious 'merger this and court case that' news, if you will.

So, if you can't remember the last time you've seen daylight, or what the word "daylight" means anymore, this one's for you (and us).

Lastly, your computer obsession has probably gone too far if "It's All About the Pentiums" is still your favourite Weird Al song:

IDE hard drive interface for embedded applications

Super Talent announced today it has begun shipping a new line of flash disk modules intended primarily for embedded applications. The new disk on module (DOM) units use a standard IDE hard drive interface with either a 40- or 44-pin configuration and are offered with either horizontal or vertical connectors. The NAND flash used in the DOMs make them ideal for applications such as areas exposed to high levels of dust, shock, vibration or extreme temperatures that would render traditional hard drives useless.

The line includes single-level cell models that offer sequential read speeds up to 80 MB/sec and sequential write speeds up to 60 MB/sec and multi-level cell models that achieve up to 40 MB/sec write speeds. The units include wear leveling, ECC and bad bit management as standard features for improved reliability. Both the MLC and SLC models are offered in 8, 16 and 32GB capacities.

It seems like these would also make an ideal way to embed a Linux OS on a small form factor board for that carputer or NAS appliance you've been thinking about building. Super Talent is currently shipping units but didn't disclose pricing.

Following on an earlier promise

Well here it is, the first 32GB DDR3 memory module, this one from Samsung, which they promised back in January upon putting out their 50nm 4GB DDR3 module. It hasn't been slated for release for our desktops or laptops yet, but is ready for servers.

At a lower power consumption of only 1.35v you also get an increase of 20% throughput compared to its 1.5v predecessor. This will save companies enormous amounts of money in the long run on power costs and give that always needed boost of speed.

There is no word on the cost of these modules as of yet, or even if they will produce them for desktop and laptop computers but rumors say they are in the works.

Now with Futuremark 3DMark Vantage

Patriot Memory's Viper II line of performance memory modules was recently introduced with better cooling features and faster performance. Now Patriot has announced it is teaming up with Futuremark to add another tool to enthusiasts' arsenal of weapons by bundling Futuremark's 3DMark Vantage benchmarking software with its Viper II memory kits.

This seems like a perfect fit as enthusiasts are constantly striving to get the most performance out of their systems and 3Dmark Vantage is one way to judge how their system performs and stacks up against worldwide contention. It also is a measure of just how confident Patriot is in its Viper II memory kits. The software will be available as a download and those who purchase Viper II modules will be provided with an activation code.

Double the cooling surface area

Corsair's Dominator/Dominator GT line of high-performance memory feature some unique cooling options and come standard with removable cooling fins and the Corsair Airflow fan. The concept of removable fins might have been a bit puzzling to some at first, but once Corsair finally released more advanced cooling options in the form of its Hydro Series H30 water block and Ice Series T30 thermoelectric cooler the concept became a little clearer as the fins must be removed to mount the cooling blocks.

The fins are part of what Corsair calls DHX+, or dual-path heat exchange, that enable the heat spreaders to draw excess heat from both the memory ICs and the printed circuit boards. Corsair is now offering a set of extended cooling fins made from extruded and machined aluminum that offer twice the cooling surface of the original fins. So now you can upgrade your cooling while adding what Corsair says is "an aggressive, high-performance look".

The extended fins are being offered in sets of three and come in either black or racing-red colors. The black fins are available for $19.99, but if you shell out a few bucks more, the $24.99 red fins come with a "thermally conductive polymer that expels air pockets in the micropores of the heatsink surface, optimizing overall thermal resistance".  Okay, that alone is worth the extra five bucks.

New heatspreaders and faster memory speeds

Patriot has released five new part numbers as part of its new Extreme Performance Viper II Series DDR3 memory modules. The new line of Viper II series incorporates an improved heat-shield cooling solution to more effectively dissipate heat produced by the high-speed memory which in turn translates into greater stability and performance.

Three of the new parts are tri-channel kits designed for Intel Core i7 platforms with top speed product remaining at PC3-16000 - 2000MHz (8-8-8-24) as with the previous Viper line. However, Patriot has introduced two other low latency modules, PC3-15000 - 1866MHz (7-8-8-24) and PC3-14400 - 1800MHz (8-8-8-24) that are faster than the Viper series counterparts. All three are 6GB (3 x 2GB) kits and are targeted at overclockers and enthusiasts looking for the ultimate performance.

Patriot is also offering two 4GB (2 x 2GB) kits in speeds of PC3-14400 - 1800MHz (8-8-8-24)  and PC3-12800 - 1600MHz (7-7-7-20). Patriot didn't release pricing or availability although the parts are listed on the company's web site.

High performance SPD settings allow memory to boot at optimized settings

Patriot Memory has just announced that two of its 1066MHz DDR3 SODIMM memory kits have been XMP-certified by Intel. The Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) is a set of performance specifications for DDR3 memory serial presence detect settings that act as a sort of automatic overclocking tool that allow memory to automatically run at predefined and certified settings without having to manually tweak the settings in the BIOS.

Patriot new XMP-certified SODIMM memory are compatible with Intel's Core 2 Extreme mobile processor and are available as either a single 2GB stick or a 4GB (2 x 2GB) kit and feature 5-5-5-15 timings at 1.6V. The parts aren't up on Patriot's site yet so we can't give you any information on pricing or availability.

Fastest Core i7 DDR3 certified memory yet

Corsair announces its triple-channel 6GB Dominator GT 2000MHz CAS 8 memory kit has achieved XMP-ready certification for Intel Core i7 Extreme Edition processors; the modules are guaranteed to run at a frequency of 2000MHz with at timings of 8-8-8-24 at a voltage of 1.65V making it the fastest memory kit to date to receive certification.

All of Corsair's Dominator line of memory modules feature a dual-path heat exchange heatsink which cools both the front and rear of the memory chips as well as the printed circuit board. Featuring removable heatsink fins, the modules can be fitted with optional cooling solutions such as a waterblock or thermoelectric cooler from Corsair; each kit comes standard with the Corsair Airflow fan.

The modules are available now at a suggested retail price of $379.99 USD.

That's fast!

Corsair sent word today that they have broke new boundaries in the upper realms of memory speed with an impressive overclock.

A triple-channel 6GB kit of Corsair Dominator GT 2000C7 RAM was pushed to the damn-fast speed of 2533MHz, with 7-8-7-20 timings with a Core i7 965 running on a eVGA X58 3X SLI Classified motherboard.

“When it comes to overclocking and memory, Corsair has proven—once again—that its engineering team truly is the best.  As the new world record shows, Corsair’s modules are second-to-none in terms of performance, stability and quality," said Kevin Conley, Vice President of Engineering for Corsair.

Corsair's Dominator GT 2000C7 memory is helped out by the patent-pending DHX+ heatsink, which cools both the back and front of the memory.

There was no word on what kind of cooling measures (probably extreme) were used.

Ban of broken hardware exports goes public

Quick though we may be to jump on cases of corporate misconduct, those involving doing good on consumers and the environment deserve equal praise, too. Though Dell does appear to have accepted bribes from Intel, they are willing to rectify environmental hazards if they can help it, we learn today.

As it were, the computer corporation has been exporting broken computers, monitors, and hardware to developing countries in response to opposition due to insufficient enforcement of environmental and worker-safety regulations in the regions, resulting in an "often hazardous electronic-waste recycling industry." Turns out many of the people aren't so grateful for the gear and would rather smash and/or burn it instead of putting it to use; the behaviour exposes citizens to mercury, lead and other toxic chemicals.

The revised policy is not necessarily a huge deal in itself, but the fact they're making this news public could go a long way in the bigger picture, say environmental organizations, since US regulations are non-existent and Dell is the world's number two computer manufacturer. According to reports, they're doing a very thorough job, too, auditing each one of its 25 recycling partners and tracking the electronics from the point of collection to their final destinations.

Dell's senior manager for environmental sustainability Mark Newton says they've seen the light, so to speak:

"We have suppliers lining up to work with us. There are plenty of reputable suppliers. It's just a matter of time before companies operating on the margins lose the business of companies that are serious about doing this the right way."

There are exceptions to the new rules, but they seem entirely reasonable. Assuming Dell is true to its word and isn't just greenwashing, we applaud them wholeheartedly.

Low-voltage memory specifically designed for the AM3 platform

OCZ Technology has introduced new memory kits to its product lineup designed specifically for AMD socket AM3 platform. The new low-voltage DDR3 kits are qualified and optimized to provide the highest performance for the AMD DDR3 platform and will be offered under OCZ's Platinum and Gold series products.

Each kit is hand-tested and feature OCZ's mirrored Xtreme Thermal Convection heatspreaders. All kits are rated to run at 1.65V with the Platinum series clocked at 1600MHz and the Gold edition having speeds of 1333MHz. The Platinum lineup features CL-7 latencies with the Gold series offering latencies of CL-8/CL-9. The particulars for each offering are:

• OCZ PC3-12800 Platinum AMD Edition Low Voltage (2x2GB) 7-7-7-24 @ 1.65v
• OCZ PC3-12800 Gold AMD Edition Low Voltage (2x2GB) 8-8-8-24 @ 1.65v
• OCZ PC3-10666 Platinum Low Voltage AMD Edition (2x2GB) 7-7-7-20 @ 1.65v
• OCZ PC3-10666 Gold AMD Edition Low Voltage (2x2GB) 9-9-9-20 @ 1.65v

OCZ did not release any pricing or avaiability for the new memory kits.

6 x 2GB kits designed specifically for Intel's Core i7

Patriot has announced its Patriot Viper 12GB memory kit comprised of 6 x 2GB modules. Patriot says these modules are specifically designed to take advantage of Intel's Core i7 triple channel technology. The announcement was a little light on details. You can see from the promo shot that it comes with the standard Viper series blue aluminum copper composite (ACC) heat shield technology. The memory will be offered in two versions, both clocked at 1333MHz. The low-latency kit is rated for CL7 latencies while an enhanced-latency version will has a CL9 rating.

12GB may sound like overkill to most, but this is one way to bring server-class performance to the desktop, especially for those running a lot of applications or working on memory-intensive tasks susch as video rendering or CAD projects. Patriot didn't say anything about how much these modules will cost or when they will become available.