It is estimated that memory consumes approximately 15 percent of power in data center server systems today, a figure which is expected to rise with the increased memory requirements needed for virtualization and multi-core data processors. Addressing this power challenge, Micron Technology, Inc., (NYSE:MU) today announced that it is expanding its energy-efficient Aspen Memory™ module portfolio with the addition of 1 Gb-based DDR3 modules operating at 1.35-volts as well as 2 Gb-based DDR2 modules operating at 1.5-volts; providing the server industry with the lowest voltage DDR2 and DDR3 memory designs for reduced power consumption.
“The trend in energy-efficient technology is especially important for data centers because they are always running – 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Until recently, IT and data center managers primarily looked at ways to reduce power consumption with energy efficient processors and power supplies, but they hadn’t looked at the additional savings they can achieve with low-voltage memory,” said Brian Shirley, vice president of Micron’s Memory Group. “Given the positive customer reaction we received from the Aspen Memory modules we introduced last year, we look forward to continuing our leadership in energy-efficient memory by providing our customers with the industry’s first low-voltage DDR3 as well as the highest-density, lowest-voltage DDR2 modules.”
Standard next-generation DDR3 memory technology operates at 1.5-volts, where standard DDR2 memory operates at 1.8-volts. With Micron’s newly expanded Aspen Memory family of energy-efficient memory modules, server manufacturers are given the option to choose the best memory solution that meets their design requirements, whether they are interested in using low-voltage mainstream DDR2 memory or next-generation DDR3 memory. Micron’s 1.35-volt DDR3 Aspen Memory server modules will be available in densities up to 4 GBs using 1 Gb chips and use 21 percent less power in comparison to standard 1.5-volt, 1 Gb-based DDR3 memory modules. Additionally, Micron’s new 2 Gb-based 8 GB 1.5-volt DDR2 memory modules achieve a 58 percent power reduction over standard 1 Gb-based 8 GB 1.8-volt DDR2 memory modules, benefiting both from the reduced voltage as well as the reduction in overhead power from the use of higher density components.
Additional information about Micron’s Aspen Memory family of energy-efficient products can be found on its website at www.micron.com/aspen. Also, visit Micron’s data center memory power calculator to estimate the cost-benefit of using Micron’s Aspen Memory modules at www.serverenergysaver.com.
Product Availability
Micron is now taking orders for samples of its low-voltage DDR3 server memory modules and is currently sampling its 2 Gb-based DDR2 server memory modules. Mass production for Micron’s low-voltage DDR3 memory modules is expected in Q4 2008 and its 2Gb-based 1.5-volt DDR2 memory modules is expected to be in mass production in Q3 2008.
Micron’s 1 Gb-based 1.5-volt DDR2 Aspen Memory modules are currently designed into production data center server systems.
Micron Talking Energy-Efficiency in “Green Tech” Panel at Embedded Systems Conference
Talking about the innovations in energy-efficient memory, Dean Klein, Micron’s Vice President of Memory System Development, will be participating in a “Green Tech” panel today at the Embedded Systems Conference in San Jose. The panel begins at 10:00 a.m. PDT and will take place in the Almaden Room at the downtown San Jose Marriott.
About Micron
Micron Technology, Inc., is one of the world’s leading providers of advanced semiconductor solutions. Through its worldwide operations, Micron manufactures and markets DRAMs, NAND flash memory, CMOS image sensors, other semiconductor components, and memory modules for use in leading-edge computing, consumer, networking, and mobile products. Micron’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the MU symbol. To learn more about Micron Technology, Inc., visit www.micron.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the production of Micron’s new DDR2 and DDR3 Aspen Memory modules. Actual events or results may differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Please refer to the documents the Company files on a consolidated basis from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, specifically the Company's most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. These documents contain and identify important factors that could cause the actual results for the Company on a consolidated basis to differ materially from those contained in our forward-looking statements (see Certain Factors). Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. We are under no duty to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this press release to conform to actual results.
