AI’s Surging Demand to Fuel Server DRAM: 17.3% Annual Content Growth Outpaces All Others

In the ever-evolving world of technology, AI continues to be the Focal point for the tech industry in 2024. With the continuous development and deployment of advanced AI chips, we are witnessing significant improvements in processing speeds. According to TrendForce, this progress is driving growth in both DRAM and NAND Flash, particularly in the realm of AI applications such as smartphones, servers, and notebooks.

The server sector, in particular, is expected to experience substantial growth. TrendForce predicts an annual increase of 17.3% in content per box for server DRAM and a 13.2% rise in enterprise SSDs. This surge can be attributed to the rising demand for AI servers and the introduction of advanced AI chips by key players like nVidia, AMD, and CSP ASICs. As training AI servers predominantly rely on DRAM for high-speed computing, the growth rate for server DRAM is anticipated to outpace that of NAND Flash.

Turning our attention to smartphones, while chipmakers are dedicated to enhancing processing performance, the absence of new AI functionalities has somewhat limited the impact of AI on these devices. In 2023, memory prices plummeted due to oversupply, resulting in a 17.5% increase in average DRAM capacity and a 19.2% boost in NAND Flash capacity per smartphone. However, with no new applications expected in 2024, the growth rate for both DRAM and NAND Flash content per box is projected to slow down to 14.1% and 9.3%, respectively.

In the notebook market, Microsoft’s AI PC specifications necessitate CPUs with a capability of over 40 TOPS (trillion operations per second). Processors like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite, AMD’s Ryzen 8000 series (Strix Point), and Intel’s Lunar Lake meet these requirements. However, widespread availability of notebooks equipped with these powerful CPUs is expected only in the latter half of 2024, which limits short-term incentives for increasing memory capacity.

For AI PCs, the primary focus lies in expanding DRAM capacity to 16 GB, with no corresponding demand for a 1 TB SSD. Consequently, the year-over-year growth rate for DRAM in Laptops is projected to be around 12.4%. This growth is expected to gain further momentum in 2025 as AI PCs enter mass production. On the other hand, client SSDs are also witnessing an upward trend in terms of content per box. However, due to a sharp rebound in NAND Flash prices, their annual growth rate is estimated to be a more modest 9.7%.

As we look ahead to the future of technology, it is clear that AI will continue to shape and redefine the industry. With advancements in AI chips and their integration into various devices, we can expect further enhancements in processing speeds and memory capacities across smartphones, servers, and notebooks.

Background Information

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About AMD: AMD, a large player in the semiconductor industry is known for its powerful processors and graphic solutions, AMD has consistently pushed the boundaries of performance, efficiency, and user experience. With a customer-centric approach, the company has cultivated a reputation for delivering high-performance solutions that cater to the needs of gamers, professionals, and general users. AMD's Ryzen series of processors have redefined the landscape of desktop and laptop computing, offering impressive multi-core performance and competitive pricing that has challenged the dominance of its competitors. Complementing its processor prowess, AMD's Radeon graphics cards have also earned accolades for their efficiency and exceptional graphical capabilities, making them a favored choice among gamers and content creators. The company's commitment to innovation and cutting-edge technology continues to shape the client computing landscape, providing users with powerful tools to fuel their digital endeavors.

  

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About Focal: Focal is a French audio company established in 1979. It is highly regarded for its high-fidelity audio products, including speakers, headphones, and professional audio equipment. Focal is known for its commitment to audio purity and innovation, and their products are favored by audiophiles and professionals alike.

  

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About Intel: Intel Corporation, a global technology leader, is renowned for its semiconductor innovations that power computing and communication devices worldwide. As a pioneer in microprocessor technology, Intel has left an indelible mark on the evolution of computing with its processors that drive everything from PCs to data centers and beyond. With a history of groundbreaking advancements, Intel's relentless pursuit of innovation continues to shape the digital landscape, offering solutions that empower businesses and individuals to achieve new levels of productivity and connectivity.

  

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About Microsoft: Microsoft, founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975 in Redmond, Washington, USA, is a technology giant known for its wide range of software products, including the Windows operating system, Office productivity suite, and cloud services like Azure. Microsoft also manufactures hardware, such as the Surface line of laptops and tablets, Xbox gaming consoles, and accessories.

  

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About nVidia: NVIDIA has firmly established itself as a leader in the realm of client computing, continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation in graphics and AI technologies. With a deep commitment to enhancing user experiences, NVIDIA's client computing business focuses on delivering cutting-edge solutions that power everything from gaming and creative workloads to enterprise applications. Renowned for its GeForce graphics cards, the company has redefined high-performance gaming, setting industry standards for realistic visuals, fluid frame rates, and immersive experiences. Complementing its gaming prowess, NVIDIA's Quadro and NVIDIA RTX graphics cards cater to professionals in design, content creation, and scientific fields, enabling real-time ray tracing and AI-driven workflows that elevate productivity and creativity to unprecedented heights. By seamlessly integrating graphics, AI, and software, NVIDIA continues to shape the landscape of client computing, fostering innovation and immersive interactions in a rapidly evolving digital world.

  

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About Qualcomm: Qualcomm, a leading American global semiconductor and telecommunications equipment company, has played a pivotal role in shaping the modern technology landscape. Founded in 1985, Qualcomm has been at the forefront of innovation, particularly in the realm of mobile communications and wireless technology. The company's advancements have been instrumental in the evolution of smartphones, powering devices with their Snapdragon processors that deliver exceptional performance and efficiency. With a strong commitment to research and development, Qualcomm has enabled the growth of 5G technology, paving the way for faster and more connected experiences.

  

Technology Explained

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NAND: NAND technology is a type of non-volatile memory that is used in many computer applications. It is a type of flash memory that is used to store data in a non-volatile manner, meaning that the data is not lost when the power is turned off. NAND technology is used in many computer applications, such as solid-state drives, USB flash drives, digital cameras, and memory cards. It is also used in many embedded systems, such as cell phones, tablets, and other consumer electronics. NAND technology is a reliable and cost-effective way to store data, making it a popular choice for many computer applications.

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Snapdragon: The Snapdragon processor is a cutting-edge technology developed by Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. It is a powerful and efficient mobile processor that is used in many of today's smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. Snapdragon processors are also used in some computers, providing a powerful and efficient computing experience. Snapdragon processors are designed to provide a high level of performance, while also being energy efficient. They are used in a variety of applications, including gaming, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence. Snapdragon processors are also used in many of today's laptops, providing a powerful and efficient computing experience. The Snapdragon processor is a great choice for those looking for a powerful and efficient processor for their computer.

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SSD: A Solid State Drive (SSD) is a modern data storage device that employs flash memory technology to store data electronically. Unlike traditional hard disk drives (HDDs), SSDs have no moving parts, resulting in significantly faster read and write speeds. This leads to quicker boot times, faster application loading, and smoother overall system performance. SSDs are known for their durability, shock resistance, and energy efficiency, making them ideal for laptops, ultrabooks, and other portable devices. They come in various form factors, including 2.5-inch, M.2, and PCIe cards, and are favored for their reliability, quiet operation, and reduced heat generation