DailyTech - ISi Releases Second Generation Z-RAM Technology

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Hardware ISi Releases Second Generation Z-RAM Technology
Anh Tuan Huynh (Blog) - December 4, 2006 4:35 PM

6 comment(s) - last by Assimilator87.. on Dec 5 at 2:17 PM

AMD takes out a license on Z-RAM, again

EETimes reports Innovative Silicon Inc has released its second generation Z-Ram technology. The second generation Z-RAM technology promises to deliver faster performance and improved scaling capabilities. Performance on 65nm fab processes is expected around 5Mbits per square millimeter while smaller 45nm process performance is 10Mbit per square millimeter.

The second generation Z-RAM is expected to scale up to 400 MHz with low power consumption. Power consumption varies but can be optimized as low as 10-microwatts per megahertz. Current second generation Z-RAM technology has been manufactured using 90nm manufacturing technology with 65nm and 45nm parts being tested.

AMD has licensed second generation Z-RAM technology. This isn’t too surprising as AMD was a backer of first generation Z-RAM technology. It is unknown when products utilizing Z-RAM will, if ever, actually hit the market.

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By Ringold on 12/4/2006 9:59:04 PM , Rating: 2

I remembered the article from Jan, and now we have this. Is this something that'll be part of the package of improvements we'll see with K8L or whatever in 2007? Every little bit helps, I imagine, in tackling the C2D mountain, and I'd think squeezing more, quicker, lower-wattage cache in a CPU would be a component.

RE: Usage

By ADDAvenger on 12/5/2006 12:24:58 AM , Rating: 2

It will be in K8L, or so the rumors say. Myself, seeing that we currently max out at 400mhz... well it's not encouraging (unless that's just a really bad typo). But, K8L is a long way off, coming in late 2007 or early-ish '08, and we all know how fast tech stuff changes.

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RE: Usage

By psychobriggsy on 12/5/2006 8:49:35 AM , Rating: 2

I don't think it will be in K8L, but if it is, then the L3 on the left hand side of the processor die (which is described as a 2MB L3) is actually something like a 16MB L3 as it is around 20-30 mm^2 in size.

I think it will be used in something after K8L - in 2008 or even 2009.

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