Corsair launched a new SSD series called Neutron a while ago. It sported a controller from LAMD (Link_A_Media Devices) that on paper competes with the top performers out there. Memory maker SK Hynix has now acquired LAMD with the goal of becoming a major SSD player.
SK Hynix is one of the largest memory makers we have, making both DRAM and NAND Flash, the latter being used in SSD units. It has a weak brand in the industry though and its own SSDs have had a pretty poor reception. Hynix has therefore acquired LAMD to become more competitive with better and faster controller circuits.
SK Hynix är is the only one of the major manufacturers of NAND memory that has not been able to break through. Actors like Intel, Samsung, Micron, Toshiba and SanDisk have already gained a firm grip of a part of the market with their own controllers, or using controllers from third-parties with tailored firmwares. The advantage of this is that it reduces cost of manufacturing, creates higher margins and flexibility.
Corsair Neutron är marknadens första SSD med LAMD-kontroller
The acquisition of LAMD puts SK Hynix in a similar seat as other manufacturers, now that it can produce and tailor its memory circtuis and controllers to its own needs. The goal is not just to have high-end SSD units, but also using the technology to improve its position on the market that uses NAND Flash. Examples of this are smartphones, tablets, USB memory sticks, memory cards and in theory Hynix could start producing exclusive SSD units for servers and businesses.
“We expect our NAND Flash competitiveness will be further strengthened by the acquisition of LAMD which has extensive expertise in controller technology and excellent engineering resources. SK Hynix will leverage this acquisition and continuously develop value-added NAND solutions and respond to our customers’ needs,” – Mr. Oh Chul Kwon, President and CEO at SK Hynix.
The negotiations were held behind closed doors and the exact sums or when LAMD will be integrated into SK Hynix was not mentioned. The exclusive deal LAMD has with Corsair should still be valid until the contract time runs out.
Source: SK Hynix via Anandtech
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