Only now is DDR2 hitting the mainstream, but that’s not stopping Micron Technology from introducing today a 1Gb DDR3 chip. To be available in various output configurations (x4, x8 and x16), Micron’s JEDEC-compliant DDR3 promises faster speeds, lower power and increased memory density. Prior to this development, 512Mb was the upper range in DDR3 density. 

"We are excited to introduce the world's first 1Gb DDR3 components," said Brian Shirley, vice president of Micron's memory group. "Micron's strength in advanced DRAM technology has given us the industry leading position in high density memory solutions." 

Manufactured on Micron's 78nm process technology, its DDR3 products will support data rates of 800 MT/s to 1,600 MT/s with clock frequencies of 400 MHz to 800 MHz respectively, doubling the speed from DDR2. Another improvement that will be particularly attractive to notebook makers is DDR3’s up to 30 percent decrease in power consumption. 

"Early 2007 should bring memory thirsty computing and consumer applications, such as Microsoft's anticipated Vista operating system. DDR3 will initially benefit the server, notebook, and desktop markets and will then reach consumer applications such as graphics and HDTVs," said Shane Rau, senior analyst of IDC, a market intelligence firm. 

Micron expects production to begin early next year, which should be well before Intel releases its "Bearlake" chipsets that support DDR3. A 2Gb DDR3 device is also expected to be available from Micron early next year, helping to enable even higher density applications.