Significant Hardware Industry Updates: Memory Lawsuit & Intel's 10nm Delay

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Memory Supplier Class Action Lawsuit
3. The Allegations
4. Intel's 10 Nanometer Delay
5. Intel's Plans for 14 Nanometer
6. Hiring of Jim Keller
7. Intel's Chipset and Motherboard Updates
8. Samsung Overtakes Intel
9. AMD's Seven Nanometer GPU
10. Corsair Expanding into Gaming Monitors
11. Hardware Sales
12. Conclusion

Article

Introduction

In this article, we will discuss the latest developments in the hardware industry, including a memory supplier class action lawsuit, Intel's 10 nanometer delay, AMD's seven nanometer GPU, and more. We will also explore the implications and potential consequences of these events.

Memory Supplier Class Action Lawsuit

Recently, there has been a class action lawsuit filed against major memory suppliers, including SK Hynix, Micron, and Samsung. The lawsuit alleges conspiracy to fix prices for memory products, specifically Dynamic Random-Access Memory (DRAM). While no concrete evidence has been provided at this time, the allegations raise concerns about potential price-fixing and collusion within the memory supplier industry.

The Allegations

According to the filed complaint, the plaintiffs accuse the defendants, SK Hynix, Micron, and Samsung, of conspiring to fix, raise, maintain, or stabilize the prices of DRAM in the United States. The complaint claims that the alleged conspiracy artificially inflated DRAM prices throughout the supply chain, causing consumers to pay more for memory products. The plaintiffs also cite public statements made by Micron, suggesting a shift in focus from market share to profit per wafer, raising suspicions of intentional supply constrictions.

Intel's 10 Nanometer Delay

Intel, a leading chip manufacturer, has faced significant delays in its transition to 10 nanometer processing technology. Originally promised in 2015, the company has pushed back the release multiple times, with the current timeline uncertain. Intel cites production problems, including aggressive scaling and density issues, as the primary causes for the delay. The delay has raised concerns about Intel's competitiveness in the market and potential advantages for its competitors.

Intel's Plans for 14 Nanometer

As a result of the 10 nanometer delay, Intel plans to release iterative versions of its 14 nanometer processors later this year. Whiskey Lake, intended for client PCs, and Cascade Lake, designed for server and data center use, are among the upcoming 14 nanometer iterations. Intel aims to learn from the production problems faced with 10 nanometer technology and plans to revise its 7 nanometer plans accordingly. Additionally, the hiring of Jim Keller, a former AMD engineer, suggests Intel's commitment to improving its silicon engineering capabilities.

Hiring of Jim Keller

Intel's recent hiring of Jim Keller, a highly regarded silicon engineer, signals the company's determination to address its manufacturing challenges. Keller, known for his contributions to the Zen architecture and Athlon 64, brings valuable expertise to Intel. This move indicates that Intel acknowledges the need to overcome stagnation and compete effectively with its rivals.

Intel's Chipset and Motherboard Updates

Intel's upcoming chipset, the Z390, is expected to replace the current flagship Z370 and offer compatibility with Intel's 10 nanometer Cannon Lake processors. Furthermore, a successor to the X299 chipset, called X399, is rumored to be on the horizon. The X399 chipset is said to support both Coffee Lake and Cannon Lake processors, providing potential upgrade options for enthusiasts. Keep an eye out for new Intel motherboards, as they are expected to be launched in the coming months.

Samsung Overtakes Intel

Samsung recently surpassed Intel as the world's top chip vendor. Although this achievement may be short-lived, it is significant considering Intel's dominance in the industry for over 25 years. Samsung's rise to the top highlights the fast-paced and competitive nature of the semiconductor market.

AMD's Seven Nanometer GPU

AMD has announced that they have working seven nanometer graphics processing unit (GPU) silicon in their labs. This promising development, using TSMC's 7-nanometer process, could pave the way for enhanced performance and power efficiency in future AMD GPUs. The company plans to sample these seven nanometer GPUs and EPYC two CPUs later this year, generating anticipation among enthusiasts and consumers.

Corsair Expanding into Gaming Monitors

Corsair, a major player in the PC hardware industry, is venturing into the gaming monitor market. They are currently looking to hire a product manager for gaming monitors, signaling their intent to expand their product lineup beyond memory, power supplies, and cases. With a reputation for innovative design and RGB lighting, Corsair aims to establish a presence in yet another aspect of the PC gaming experience.

Hardware Sales

In terms of hardware sales, there have been notable deals and discounts recently. EVGA's GTX 1070 TI SC Gaming GPU is available for $510, a $100 discount from its original price. While it is not a significant markdown from the MSRP, it brings the GPU closer to its intended retail value. Additionally, Corsair's Vengeance LPX 8GB (2x4GB) DDR4 RAM kit, operating at 3000MHz, is currently priced at $110. While still above the ideal price point, this represents a slight discount from its recent inflated prices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the hardware industry has seen a mix of significant events and developments. From the memory supplier class action lawsuit to Intel's 10 nanometer delay and AMD's progress in seven nanometer GPUs, these occurrences Shape the landscape of the industry. It remains to be seen how these events will unfold and impact the market in the coming months. As technology enthusiasts, let's keep a close watch on these developments and their implications.

Highlights

• Memory suppliers face class action lawsuit over alleged price-fixing.
• Intel's 10 nanometer process faces significant delays.
• AMD showcases working seven nanometer GPU silicon.
• Corsair expands into gaming monitors.
• Samsung overtakes Intel as the top chip vendor.

FAQ

Q: What is the memory supplier class action lawsuit? A: The class action lawsuit alleges that major memory suppliers, including SK Hynix, Micron, and Samsung, conspired to fix prices for DRAM, causing consumers to pay more for memory products.

Q: Why is Intel experiencing delays in their 10 nanometer process? A: Intel has cited production problems, such as aggressive scaling and density issues, as the primary reasons for the delay in their 10 nanometer process.

Q: What does AMD's seven nanometer GPU development mean for consumers? A: AMD's progress in seven nanometer GPU silicon suggests potential advancements in performance and power efficiency for future AMD GPUs, which could benefit consumers seeking enhanced gaming experiences.

Q: How is Corsair expanding its product lineup? A: Corsair is venturing into the gaming monitor market, signaling their intention to broaden their product offerings beyond memory, power supplies, and cases.

Q: What does Samsung overtaking Intel as the top chip vendor signify? A: Samsung's rise to the top spot, even if temporary, emphasizes the highly competitive nature of the semiconductor market and challenges Intel's long-standing dominance.