AMD Quietly Introduces Radeon-Branded System Memory - Updated

AMD has quietly introduced a new series of Radeon-branded DDR3-based system memory products, targeted at a wide swath of system types. AMD says, “AMD Radeon DDR3 System Modules are ideally suited to our CPU and APU products. Components are tested to the highest industry standards on AMD platforms to guarantee reliability and performance.”

According to the product page on AMD’s website, AMD Radeon system memory will be offered in three series: Entertainment, ULTRA PRO, and Enterprise. Each series targets a different system type and is suited to different users. The Entertainment Series modules are described as “Fast and reliable. The best choice for digital entertainment whether HD/3D Movies, Video & Music editing or for a thrilling video game experience". The ULTRA PRO series as “Hand selected high quality memory parts. Provides the head room to succeed in critical gaming missions. Ultra-fast, highly reliable, no drop outs, no delays. The first choice for the enthusiast video gamer.” And the Enterprise series as “AMD Radeon Enterprise Server Series has been developed for the most popular mission critical servers. All memory modules in this line are server and workstation specific and tested to ensure compatibility.”

Image Source: AKIBA PC Hotline

Looking at the specifications, none of the memory series seem to be very impressive. All of the sticks will be offered exclusively in 2GB capacities at this point and all require only 1.5v. The Entertainment series modules are rated for 1333MHz operation with 9-9-9 timings. The ULTRA PRO at 1600MHz with 11-11-11 timings. Specifications for the Enterprise series modules weren’t listed. The chips used on each module are AMD-branded and are identified as model GMSG2GU08E2F1C-13H in CPU-Z.

We supposed this move is to better guarantee compatibility with systems built around AMD’s Fusion APUs, like the recently released A-Series products. AMD has offered graphics memory to board partners previously, which was bundled with their GPUs, so it’s easy envision AMD taking things a step further and offering APU / Memory bundles to some partners, but that is just speculation on our part.

Image Source: AKIBA PC Hotline

We are not certain as what AMD’s motivation is at this point, but have reached out for an official response. After some back and forth today, we’re told we can expect a statement tomorrow. We will update this post once official word comes in direct from AMD.

Update: We got word from AMD regarding their Radeon-branded system memory; the company had this to say, "AMD does not manufacture memory and does not plan to sell system memory directly to our customers. AMD is currently determining if the sale of AMD Radeon-branded memory through channel partners is a viable opportunity and as such it has appeared in some regions for purchase through retail."