Boise (ID) – Micron has begun sampling 2 Gb DDR3 memory chips, enabling the production of 16 GB memory modules for servers and 4 GB modules for desktop and notebook PC.

The next generation of DRAM densities is on its way : Micron today said that it has put 2 Gb DDR3 components into low volume production, with mass-production and commercial availability expected to begin in the first quarter of next year.

These new devices will effectively double the maximum capacity of today’s DRAM modules, taking server modules from 8 GB to 16 GB and desktop and notebook versions from 2 GB to 4 GB. The 78 nm chips will be available with speeds up to 1333 MHz - which is enough horsepower to transfer a 100,000-page document in about one second, Micron said.

Besides potentially higher capacity, the higher density also allows memory manufacturers to use fewer chips in mainstream memory configurations, which can reduce power consumption when compared to 1 Gb models.