Microsoft and Samsung Collaborate to Optimized Performance of Server Systems

The Microsoft Technology Center, Munich and Samsung Electronics announced the availability of an optimized platform utilizing Samsung’s advanced Green Memory in Microsoft’s virtualized data center.

A system based on Samsung’s 30 nanometer (nm) class* DDR3 memory and Microsoft’s data center platform proved to deliver significant power savings, as part of an overarching system evaluation study. The evaluation platform, which is available through the Microsoft Technology Center, can be used immediately. Detailed findings on the evaluation testing are available in a whitepaper posted on Microsoft and Samsung‘s Green Memory.

Today, Samsung’s 30nm-class 2Gb Green DDR3 chips feature the highest DRAM performance level, based on innovative circuit design and advanced processes. For server applications, memory modules can reach up to 1.866 gigabits per second (Gbps) at 1.35 volts, while PC modules can run at up to 2.133Gbps (1.5 volts), which is 3.5 times faster than 60nm-class* DDR2 and 1.6 times faster than 50nm-class* DDR3.
The new evaluation tests combining Samsung’s Green DDR3 and Microsoft’s enterprise system evaluation platform are focused on achieving an optimal match between performance and power efficiency, the two top priorities of data centers.

Samsung’s 30nm-class Green DDR3 was tested in eight gigabyte registered dual inline memory modules, installed on server systems running virtualized environments with the Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise operating system. They delivered power conservation levels of up to a 15 percent for a 30-watt per system decrease, compared to systems using 50nm-class DDR3.

Microsoft and Samsung plan to expand their collaborative evaluation efforts that optimize 20nm-class and 30nm-class DDR3 memory and enterprise SSDs through system-level tests in virtual environments. The collaboration will include next-generation DRAM and data storage devices that contribute significantly to an IT department’s total cost of ownership.

Editors’ Note:

20nm-class processes apply technology nodes between 20 and 29 nanometers

30nm-class processes apply technology nodes between 30 and 39 nanometers

50nm-class processes apply technology nodes between 50 and 59 nanometers

60nm-class processes apply technology nodes between 60 and 69 nanometers