Samsung starts mass production of what it claims is the first 12Gb (or 1.5GB) LPDDR4 DRAM modules for mobile device use, as based on the company's advanced 20nm process technology.

The modules take the same space inside devices as Samsung 6Gb modules, allowing mobile phone makers to either double the device memory within the same space or make smaller phones with 3GB of RAM.

The company adds the 12Gb modules are 30% quicker than its 8Gb modules (found in many 4GB devices), meaning future smartphones and tablets get a further performance boost. Energy use is also down by around 20%, allowing for longer battery lives.

"High end/gaming/crazy memory products" maker Avexir launches the Raiden series, DDR3 memory modules claiming "premium" performance via hand-picked ICs and easy optimal configuration with Intel XMP support.

The modules feature 8-layer performance optimised printed circuit boards, as well as machined aluminium heat sinks and gold finger protection to prevent oxidation. However, according to the company the main USP is not performance-- not when the modules feature "world exclusive patented technology of plasma tubes to mimic lightning effect."

Or, in a few words, built-in blue LEDs.

According to TrendForce DRAMeXchange 2014 is a "fruitful" year for the global DRAM industry, as the smartphone boom leads to more memory going towards mobile applications, leading to higher standard memory prices.

The analyst says mobile memory accounts for 36% of 2014 DRAM production, and should surpass 40% of 2015 production.

“Because of high demand for mobile memory, DRAM manufacturers have somewhat reduced standard memory production, keeping module prices high,” DRAMeXchange says. “All DRAM manufacturers are staying profitable. The increasingly oligopolistic nature of the market and changes in market demand will stable the development of the industry in 2015.”

The analyst adds 4GB DRAM module ASPs stand at around $32, with an average memory of over 40%. It also lists 5 memory industry trends to follow in 2015.

Memory maker G.Skills International announces its next gen memory modules-- the Ripjaws 4 series DDR4 memory kits, all promising "best-in-class performance, compatibility and stability."

The kits are X99 quad-channel platform compatible and clocked at 2133, 2400, 2666 and 2800MHz in sizes up to 64GB. The heatspreader features a new deisgn, while modules are 40mm high for compatibility with most CPU heatsinks.

Corsair launches the Vengeance LPX and Dominator Platinum desktop DDR4 RAM lines, promising "increased DRAM bandwidth, higher bus frequencies, lower power usage and higher reliability. "

The two sets of memory kits are validated with motherboard partners (namely Asus, ASRock, EVGA, Gigabyte and MSI) and use the XMP 2.0 profile for compatibility with the upcoming Intel X99 platforms and Core i7 (aka Haswell-E) processors.

The Vengeance LPX is designed for high-performance overclocking, with an aluminium low-profile heatspreader and an 8-layer PCB for faster heat dissipation and superior overclocking headroom. The memory kits are available in black, red or blue, allowing customers to match RAM with their PC colour schemes.

Innodisk launches a memory module range equipped with conformal coatings to provide protection against moisture, dust and chemical contaminants, thus allowing normal operation even in extreme environments.

Conformal coatings consist of a chemical layer on the surface of the DRAM module creating a protective film around components. The coating protects against moisture, contaminants, dust and acid or alkaline materials, as well as issues caused by electrical or thermal conduction, static electricity and heat.

Micron Technology and Rambus sign a "broad patent cross license agreement"-- one bringing 13 years of legal disputes to an end as Micron agrees to pay Rambus up to $280 million over the next 7 years.

In exchange Micron gets the rights to use any Rambus patent for the manufacture of specified integrated circuit products, including memory, as well as the dropping of all pending litigation.

"This milestone agreement puts years of legal disputes behind both companies and opens doors for future cooperation," Rambus CEO Dr. Ron Black says. "We continue to focus on developing innovative technology and furthering our more open, collaborative relationship with the broader industry."

The deal sees Micron making quarterly royalty payments reaching around 0.6% of revenues from products using Rambus patents. The payments are capped at $10m per quarter (with a fixed cap of $40m per 4 quarters), meaning during the next 7 years Rambus will make up to $280m according to sales volume.

Memory maker G.Skill shows off its first DDR4 DIMMs at Intel Developer Forum 2013, with engineering samples of 4GB DDR4 modules running at 2133Mhz as based on SK Hynix DDR4 chips.

Since the first Intel platforms able to run DDR4 RAM (Haswell-E) is still under wraps the G.Skill demo was static, meaning it did not actually involve functioning modules.

“The next generation of DDR memory is still under development, and G.Skill is working to push the new technology to its limits in the future,” the company says.