Server memory manufacturers face compatibility issues with power regulators
Hardware

Server memory manufacturers face compatibility issues with power regulators

The start of mass production of servers on the new Intel Sapphire Rapids and AMD Genoa platforms is approaching. However, the Power Controller Compatibility (PMIC) issue for server DDR5 RDIMMs remains, and DRAM manufacturers and PMIC vendors are working on a solution. DRAM manufacturers are expected to temporarily purchase more PMICs from Monolithic Power Systems (MPS), which supplies PMICs with no issues.

    Procurement of power controllers by top 3 manufacturers / image source: Trend Force

Procurement of power controllers from three major manufacturers / Image Source: Trend Force

DDR5 server DRAM still uses 10nm class process technology. The process technology used has a significant impact on the delivery of DDR5 server DRAM. SK hynix has gradually increased the production and sales of 1α products which, unlike 1y, have not yet been fully tested by consumers. Current manufacturing processes are still dominated by Samsung’s 1y and SK hynix and Micron’s 1z. Process 1α and 1β production is expected to increase in the second quarter of 2023.

32GB DDR5 server DRAM prices are expected to drop to $80-$90 in April and May due to lower sales rates. This estimate is higher than the previous second quarter price estimate of $75 for these modules. DDR4 prices are expected to fall 18-23% in the second quarter, while DDR5 prices are expected to fall 13-18%. This indicates an increase in the price gap between them. At the same time, server RAM prices are widely expected to fall by 13-18% in Q2 2023, despite the debate forecast for up to 20%.

The explosive popularity of ChatGPT has led to a surge in demand for AI servers, leading to increased interest in HBMs and increased importance of 128GB DDR5 RDIMMs. Demand growth for high-capacity RDIMMs in early Q2 2023 was primarily driven by US carriers.

128GB RDIMMs require a TSV (Through-Silicon Via) package since DDR5 single crystals are typically 16GB. However, major vendors are unable to increase their TSV production capacity in the short term, leading to further price hikes for high-capacity DDR5 modules this month. This is in contrast to the current downward price trend for DDR4 and other DDR5 products. But as the production of new products increases, the price difference will shrink.

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Dylan Harris

Dylan Harris is fascinated by tests and reviews of computer hardware.

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