Paul, <When Intel introduces TIMNA, the price of RAMBUS memory will start to take a sharp drop and then continue to decline at a healthy pace.>
Of course, if that doesn't happen, Timna can always use the MRH-S component (formerly known as MTH) and support el-cheapo PC100 SDRAM. Performance will take a big hit, but the focus of Timna is cost-reduction, not breakthrough performance.
However, I'd love to see low-cost, high-volume platforms from Timna-based PCs to Playstation 2 consoles really drive Rambus' acceptance into the mainstream in mid-2000. If that happens, and the prices of RDRAM fall to a few notches above SDRAM, then we may see Rambus thrive after all!
<TIMNA will be targeted at the "value" segment, and its use of RAMBUS memory will allow it to use the SLOWER speed grades with exceptional performance - due to the on-chip RAMBUS controller.>
Yeah, the use of the slower-speed RDRAM chips in Timna-based PCs crossed my mind as well. This should be much better than the MRH-S interim solution.
Speaking of which, did you know that Playstation 2 will require PC800 RDRAM? That's right, full-speed RDRAM chips used in the most anticipated game console arriving in 2000. Let Sony drive demand for PC800 RDRAM along with vendors of 820 and 840-based PC workstations, and let Timna mop up the PC600 and PC700 supply.
Tenchusatsu |
