Rambus Optimistic About RDRAM

Despite the fact that even Intel is now pushing non-Rambus configurations, and even though the company is losing patent suits and stock price, Rambus is still pitching woo in its technology roadmap for RDRAM devices and RIMM modules. Rambus says it will deliver RIMM module solutions up to 9.6 GB/sec by 2005. Building on its 800MHz RDRAM devices, the company expects to come out with two additional frequencies: 1066MHz and 1200MHz. Rambus says the new frequencies will be supported by Samsung, Toshiba, and Elpida and will increase RDRAM performance by up to 50% over its current PC800 RDRAM. The new PC1066 and PC1200 RDRAM devices are supposed to become available in 2002 and 2005, respectively. Along with RDRAM device frequency increases, Rambus says the RIMM module width will be increased from 16 bits to 32 and 64 bits to double and quadruple the bandwidth. Put all of these plans together and Rambus' roadmap is a heck of a road to tread considering the company's recent problems.