Mar 17, 2021 19:00:00

Micron withdraws from the development of explosive memory technology '3D XPoint', Intel indicates intention to continue development

Intel and Micron have been developing

'3D XPoint ', a non-volatile memory technology with explosive speed and large capacity. However, on March 16, 2021, Micron announced that it would withdraw from the development of 3D XPoint. In addition, it has been revealed that the sale of the semiconductor factory that produced 3D XPoint is under consideration.

Micron Updates Data Center Portfolio Strategy to Address Growing Opportunity for Memory and Storage Hierarchy Innovation | Micron Technology
https://investors.micron.com/news-releases/news-release-details/micron-updates-data-center-portfolio-strategy-address-growing

Micron to Sell 3D XPoint Memory Fab and Cease Further Development (Updated) | Tom's Hardware

https://www.tomshardware.com/news/micron-sell-3d-xpoint-fab-stop-development-intel

3D XPoint is a non-volatile memory technology jointly developed by Intel and Micron, and was appealed as 'combining higher recording density than DRAM and faster reading and writing than NAND.'

Intel has developed the 'Optane ' brand as a product that uses 3D XPoint. It was reported that Google Cloud introduced Intel Optane memory to the server in 2018 after releasing high-speed and large-capacity memory products such as ' Intel Optane SSD DC P4800X ' and ' Optane DC Persistent Memory'. However, due to sluggish sales, Intel stopped developing Optane memory for desktops in January 2021.

On the other hand, in October 2019, Micron announced the ultra-high-speed, ultra-low-latency SSD ' Micron X100 ' that adopted 3D XPoint. However, according to tech media AnandTech , the Micron X100 was shipped to a limited number of users in small numbers . Micron also has a 3D XPoint factory in Utah, USA, but is losing $ 400 million a year due to low demand for 3D XPoint.

Micron, which was unable to get its 3D XPoint-related business on track, announced on March 16, 2021 that it would withdraw from the development of 3D XPoint. At the same time, he revealed that he is considering selling the factory that produces 3D XPoint.

'Micron will end the supply of 3D XPoint to Intel in 2021. Micron will retain all intellectual property related to 3D XPoint,' Micron told tech media Tom's Hardware. I will.

Intel also told Tom's Hardware that 'Micron's withdrawal from 3D XPoint will not affect Intel's Optane brand strategy and production plans,' and intends to continue developing Optane memory for the enterprise. is showing.