SMART Modular Technologies Introduces Low-Power DDR2 FBDIMMs

Addressing the Industry's Need for Low-Power Server Modules, SMART's New DDR2 FBDIMMs Offer 20 Percent Power Savings: SMART Modular Technologies (WWH), (SMART), a leading independent manufacturer of memory modules, solid state drives, embedded computing subsystems, and TFT-LCD display products, today announced its new lineup of low-power fully-buffered DIMMs (FBDIMMs) available in densities up to 4GB for mainstream server and high performance computing (HPC) applications. Utilizing the industry's lowest power 1.5V DRAMs and advanced memory buffers (AMBs), SMART's new modules achieve an average of 20 percent power savings compared to modules using standard 1.8V DRAMs and AMBs. Reducing power consumption in servers is now a top priority for OEM system designers because improving server efficiency helps reduce power consumption and minimize thermal issues that can degrade system reliability and data integrity. "SMART's new DDR2 FBDIMMs leverage the latest in low-power solutions to create products that directly address a major industry concern," said Al Gulachenski, SMART's Senior Director of Advanced Memory Solutions Group. "By offering substantial power savings, SMART is able to provide OEMs with the best DRAM technology available today." SMART's focus on reducing system power by decreasing memory power consumption has resulted in this new specialized lineup of low power 1.5V FBDIMMs. By using industry-leading 1.5V 1Gb DRAMs in conjunction with x8-based configurations, SMART's new modules cut in half the number of DRAMs needed per rank from 18 to 9, helping OEMs achieve the lowest possible power combination. According to Semico Research, lowering system-level power consumption with 1.5V DDR2 while maintaining design continuity is a higher priority for some OEMs than the expanded feature set of upgrading to DDR3. As a result, Semico expects that 1.5V performance will extend the product life cycle of DDR2 well into the 2Gb generation of DRAM. SMART offers 1.5V FBDIMMs, which are targeted at Intel-based server platforms specifically configured to support 1.5V operation, in DDR2-667 and DDR2-800 speed grades. For ordering information, visit its Web site.