Feeding the Beast: Servers Consume High Density DRAM Modules

This report focuses on DRAM modules in the server segment and some of the memory packaging density that is achieved.  Servers drive the DRAM density and much of the packaging technology.  This is one segment where DRAM is not keeping up with monolithic density demand.  Packaging has become more important in the semiconductor industry as greater functionality is put into smaller spaces.  This is true in the server segment where Blades are very compact but require huge amounts of memory.

Computing’s server segment accounted for 25 percent of the bits shipped in 2007, which will rise to 36 percent of total bits shipped by 2012.  As the server memory size increases, it requires higher density DRAM and DRAM modules.  No longer does the software require memory capacity beyond the product available at the lowest price-per-megabit in the PC segment.  It is now the high-end server segment that demands modules in densities exceeding 4GByte while 1Gbyte is the industry sweet spot. 

The DRAM module market consumes between 83 and 88 percent of the total DRAM bits sold.  The computing segment accounted for about 70 percent of these bits in 2007.  Total server unit growth is projected to have a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 9 percent while the average Gigabytes per system will have a CAGR of 48 percent.  This is definitely a segment driving demand as examined in the Semico study. 

This report profiles the top module vendors competing on low-profile packaging, stacking capabilities, cooling techniques and power consumption.  While other segments of the DRAM end-use markets function mainly on cost-per-megabit, the server segment challenges suppliers on technology.   

To purchase this study, or to receive a copy of the Table of Contents, including a list of tables and figures, please contact Susan Cadel at 607-368-7600 or susanc@semico.com and reference the VM103-08 or Feeding the Beast:  Servers Consume High Density DRAM Modules