After years, a new venture with SoftBank signals Intel’s possible return to the memory market, with plans to develop energy-efficient DRAM tailored for growing AI demands.
Intel might make a comeback in the memory chip sector through a new partnership with SoftBank, aimed at developing advanced AI-focused DRAM technology.
According to a report by Nikkei Asia, the joint venture, named ‘Saimemory’, aims to create a prototype dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) chip with performance comparable to high bandwidth memory (HBM), but with significantly lower energy requirements.
HBM is widely used in high-performance computing and AI systems but is known for its high cost and power consumption.
Company records reportedly show that Saimemory was registered in December 2024, indicating the project has been in development for several months.
The partnership plans to collaborate with Japanese research institutions to advance the technology, aiming to produce a viable prototype by 2027 and bring the product to market by 2030.
The proposed memory architecture involves stacking DRAM chips in a more efficient configuration, which could cut power usage by up to 50% compared to current HBM solutions. This approach is intended to support the growing demand for energy-efficient hardware in data centres and AI processing environments.
SoftBank is expected to gain early access to the technology, potentially for use in its own data centre operations. While the memory may eventually be integrated into AI infrastructure linked to initiatives like the ‘Stargate Project’, no official confirmation has been made regarding specific deployment plans.
Intel previously exited the DRAM market in the 1980s, later selling its NAND and SSD operations to SK hynix in 2021. It maintained a presence in the memory space with its Optane product line until it was discontinued in 2022.
This new venture marks a possible return to a sector where Intel was once a pioneer.
The global market for HBM is currently led by major firms such as Samsung, SK hynix, and Micron. However, increasing demand for AI-optimised hardware may create opportunities for new players to enter the field.
In parallel with its re-entry into memory development, Intel is reported to be considering changes to other business areas, including the potential sale of its networking and edge computing divisions.
