SK Hynix develops smaller, faster graphics chip

SK Hynix, the world’s second-largest chipmaker, said it has developed the industry’s first 4-gigabite DDR3 DRAM chip for graphics using a 20 nanometer-class processing technology.

The double data rate, type-three synchronous dynamic random access memory chip can process 3.6 gigabytes of data per second via 16 lines of data channels at an operating speed of 1.8 Gbps.

The company also noted that, when operating at 1.35 volts, the graphics chip consumes 30 percent less power than its 30 nanometer-class predecessor.

“As an eco-friendly product, it is well suited for low-power laptops since it operates at a low voltage while it offers graphics performance at the desktop level,” it said in a statement.

The company plans to mass produce the graphics memory chip in the fourth quarter of this year.

Analysts said that demand for DRAM memory chips for desktop and laptop computers is facing a slowdown.

However, the increasing use of smartphones and tablet PCs is driving up demand for mobile chips, which will benefit semiconductor makers such as Hynix and Samsung Electronics.

Samsung, Hynix and Elpida are three largest suppliers of mobile DRAM, analysts said.

By Park Hyong-ki (hkp@heraldcorp.com)