- SoftBank and Intel low power memory plan to rival HBM from South Korea
- Saimemory points to the 2030 launch, but faces the main delays in the market
- Intel and Softbank are already stretched in technological investments chips
According to reports, SoftBank and Intel are being associated to develop a new type of high -band -centered memory memory that expect to rivate the HBM products produced by the technological giants of South Korea Samsung and SK Hynix.
A report from Nikkei AsiaIt states that the couple aims to create packed drama chips with a new wiring structure that reduces energy consumption in half, compared to current HBM chips.
The initiative will be led by a new company called Saimemory, with an expected prototype within two years, and the marketing directed before 2030.
Too little late?
Despite the technical ambition, the timeline raises a serious challenge. Samsung and SK Hynix are already several generations of products ahead and comfortably dominate the global HBM market. By the time Saimemory contributes its alternative to the market, it is likely that existing players have further spread their leadership.
A SoftBank executive said Nikkei Asia That if the project is successful, “we want priority for the supply,” which reflects how early the effort follows.
Memory is intended for use in AI data centers, where energy consumption and high performance are growing concerns. SoftBank expects the new chips to admit large -scale AI training in a more efficient cost and lower cost.
Stronger domestic supply chains could also reduce Japan dependence on Korean suppliers.
Nikkei Asia The Japan notes once maintained more than 70% of the world dram market, but it left when the South Korean and Taiwanese players increased. Elpida, the last DRAM manufacturer of Japan, was bankrupt in 2012 and was acquired by Micron, which is currently looking for a larger portion of the HBM cake of $ 100 billion.
SoftBank is the largest investor in Saimemory, with a participation of 3 billion yen in the 10 billion yen project. Intel is contributing to technology, while the University of Tokyo and other Japanese academic institutions are providing patents. Government support is also being considered.
Although this is a promising effort, both Softbank and Intel have a lot in their dishes at this time. Intel is administering its cast iron expansion, pushing AI chips and trying to recover the CPU market share. SoftBank focuses on arm growth and expanding its IA investment portfolio.
