MOUNTAIN
VIEW, Calif. -- Rambus Inc. (NASDAQ:RMBS) has stated that they are continuing
to work with Intel and PC OEMs on system verification testing of RDRAM-based
platforms. The statements were made in response to published speculation
about the system verification testing underway for performance desktop
PC platforms using the Intel 820 Chipset.
Some issues with platforms supporting three RIMM module connectors have
been identified, and Intel, Rambus and the OEMs are working to quickly
resolve them. While the three-connector implementations offer OEMs maximum
configuration flexibility, they result in over 1000 permutations of
connectors, module designs, frequency grades, optional parity/ECC for
system test. The testing has shown that some configurations have issues
relating to the combination of the memory system components, module
configurations, and motherboard design.
"Intel is committed to working with Rambus, the Direct RDRAM suppliers
and its customers to validate the Intel 820 Chipset, and the systems
that use it, as soon as possible," said Pete MacWilliams,
Intel Fellow. "Intel believes RDRAM is the memory solution that will
provide the best performance with today's high-performance microprocessors."
"Dell is committed to working with Intel and Rambus to complete the
platform validation of RDRAM-based systems," said Carl Everett,
senior vice president of Dell Computer Corporation. "Direct RDRAM
is a strategic technology to Dell."
"Toshiba's commitment to the Rambus-memory architecture has not changed,"
said Stephen Marlow, vice president of Toshiba America Electronic
Components' Memory Business Unit. "We firmly believe that RDRAM provides
the optimum solution for high performance PC and Consumer platforms,"
he added.
"When the RDRAM-based platforms are released they will have passed
substantial, broad, and rigorous system-level testing. The goal of Rambus
and our partners is to provide a solution at a higher quality standard
than what occurred at prior memory transitions," said Dave Mooring,
senior vice president of Rambus Inc.
Rambus Inc. (NASDAQ: RMBS), based in Mountain View, Calif., develops
and licenses high-speed chip-to-chip interface technology that enables
semiconductor memory devices to keep pace with faster generations of
processors and controllers. Providers of Rambus-based integrated circuits
include the world's leading DRAM, ASIC and PC controller manufacturers.
Currently, eight of the world's top-10 semiconductor companies license
Rambus technology. More information on Rambus Inc. and its high-bandwidth
interface technology is available at http://www.rambus.com.
