Aug 16, 2000

Apacer Technology Inc. and the Taiwan branch of Kingston Technology individually announced that they will introduce double data rate dynamic random access memory (DDR DRAM) modules. The move follows a decision by U.S. chipmaker Intel to shift its support from the troubled Rambus DRAM.

Intel announced that it will roll out chipsets that support the DDR DRAM specification. Industry analysts in Taiwan interpreted the decision as a sign that Intel is less optimistic about the prospects for the RDRAM specification, suggesting that DDR DRAM will become the dominant chipset specification next year.

Acer Laboratories has announced a plan to turn out chipsets supporting the DDR DRAM specification. Company president, Chin Wu, predicts that DDR DRAM will account for 40% of the world DRAM market in the second half of 2001.

Apacer has the equipment to make RDRAM, but production has been limited due to weak demand for the costly memory chips. Both Acer Laboratories and Apacer are subsidiaries of the Acer Group, Taiwan's largest computer manufacturer.

Kingston, has thrown its support behind the DDR DRAM specification.

TwinMos Tech Co., Ltd., an affiliate of Mosel Vitelic Inc., has developed module technology for RDRAM and DDR DRAM and began putting out a small volume of RDRAM modules late last year. The company plans to begin delivering DDR DRAM modules late this year.