Micron Technology has posted a Q&A blog post discussing the impact the company expects Windows 7 to have on the memory industry. Matthias Buchner, director of segment marketing for Micron's DRAM product group, gave his comments on how DRAM demand will be influenced on the launch of Windows 7.
Buchner said Windows 7 is revolutionary catalyst that will bring would-be PC buyers off the sidelines and into the PC market. Not only will Windows 7 drive the mainstream memory density in traditional notebooks from 2GB to 4GB, but its launch will also spur DRAM bit growth through increased PC unit sales. Buchner forecast that unit growth should be driven by consumers in calendar 2010, followed by the enterprise applications in calendar 2011.
While 4GB is seen as the sweet-spot in notebooks, netbooks will also move to 2GB, from today's 1GB, Buchner indicated.
2010 is shaping up to be a big year for DRAM technology transitions with the conversion from DDR2 to DDR3, as well as the density transition in DDR3 from 1Gb-based modules to 2Gb-based modules. Additionally, a trend in reducing power consumption, or lowering voltage in the systems, is emerging as DDR3 moves down to 1.5V and even further to 1.35V, said Buchner.
The full posting can be read here.