Category : Memory
Manufacturer : OCZ

Posted by: Major on 2001-03-27

OCZ Micro BGA

Received a press release from OCZ about some new PC166/183 RAM they are to introduce shortly. It incorporates a new technology called Micro-Ball™ grid array packaging which is supposed to make higher speeds attainable (183 MHz anyone?! :)), decrease power comsumption and increase memory bandwidth. And it comes in 5.5ns and 6ns flavours.

Here is the press release in full:

OCZ recently procured an arrangement with ACTRAM to produce our new PC-166 compliant SDRAM. These products are relatively new technology/ product class and we are releasing this information to the press for informational use only. We have beta revisions of this product now available for review, the final revisions and full scale production are expected by month end.

OCZ Micro BGA™ PC-166 /183

OCZ Micro BGA™ PC-166/183 SDRAM uses new Micro-Ball™ grid array packaging which allows

1. High-precision packet effect: By overcoming the defects of the conventional packet, memory capacity is further increased for higher transmission speed to meet the specification of the SDRAM.

2. Unique characteristics: Simplified packet structure for maximum memory speed and minimum power consumption while allowing maximum heat dissipation.

3. Higher density package allows for increased memory bandwidth at the same speed as traditional packaging.

In addition to Micro-Ball™ grid array packaging, OCZ Micro BGA™ PC-166 SDRAM components have fast 6 and 5.5 ns access time. Effectively allowing speeds of 166/183

OCZ Micro BGA™ PC-166/183 SDRAM components use a .17micron manufacturing process, the same process used for newer DDR SDRAM.

A note on Latency

Our new packaging technology allows for maximum bandwidth with standard (3/3/3) memory timings similar to virtual channel RAM. Early testing shows that the bandwidth increase at any given speed is indeed significant. Our new packaging technology will however unlike virtual channel technology allow an improvement in bandwidth from faster memory timings.

A note on motherboard compatibility

Although 166/183 FSB support is not present on most current motherboards, we believe it will be sometime in the near future. This product will be in the meantime limited to the capacity of current chipset/ motherboards. We produce this ram specifically for The “high performance” computer enthusiast, and believe that they will benefit from this product greatly.