More signs of spring for the 2010 DRAM market

Earlier, we reported on the appearance of several good economic signs springing up for the DRAM market. Here are a few more:

Late last month, EDN’s Ann Steffora Mutschler reported on Semico’s 1Q 2010 forecast calling for greater than 70% growth in DRAM sales this year. That’s on the heels of Q3 and Q4 2009 DRAM growth rates reported at 33% and 44% respectively (although it’s after a huge drop in 2008). Semico concludes that the demand coupled with the lack of capital investment made by DRAM vendors over the last two years will ultimately lead to market shortages.

IC Insights’ March 8 Research Bulletin previewed the year for ICs and forecast a whopping 74% growth for DRAM sales (closely correlating with Semico’s prediction). If you find that number hard to believe, consider this quote from IC Insights’ bulletin: “As a quick crosscheck to this astounding growth-rate forecast, if the January 2010 DRAM market stayed flat for the next 11 months, the 2010/2009 DRAM market would register 61% growth! The strong DRAM market is expected to help support the 100%+ capital spending increases now budgeted by many of the DRAM manufacturers this year.” This bulletin is extracted from IC Insights’ comprehensive “The McLean Report”.

Two months ago, research firm iSuppli wasn’t painting quite as rosy a picture as its research competitors. On February 22, Information Week reported that iSuppli DRAM analyst Mike Howard was predicting a “greater than 40%” growth for the DRAM market in 2010. Perhaps the more bullish predictions from Semico and IC Insights reflects another two months of results from the bullish 1Q 2010 DRAM market.

Once again, that’s one of the reasons that this year’s MemCon is focusing almost exclusively on DRAM, while still covering the biggest developments in semiconductor memory. This year, MemCon is a 1-day event and will be held July 28, 2010 at the Hyatt Santa Clara. Registration is free and gives you access to exhibits, keynotes, technical sessions, and panels. Also, if you’re an industry expert and have something to say about memory, consider making a presentation (make a presentation proposal here). If you’re a DRAM analyst and would like a large, well-attended platform to strut your stuff, be sure to register for MemCon and contact the organizers for a speaking slot.