NEC signs up to provide Xbox 360 eDRAM

Japanese semiconductor giant NEC has announced that it has been tapped to provide embedded DRAM chips for Microsoft's next-generation Xbox console, which will be used as part of the graphics solution in the system.

The deal sees NEC providing eDRAM "macros" for the Xbox 360, which are described as a vital component in enabling the console to output high-definition visuals, and presumably integrate with the system's ATI-designed graphics chipset.

"NEC Electronics' cutting-edge embedded DRAM technology plays a vital role in enabling our graphics engine's performance," explained Xbox Product Group corporate VP Todd Holmdahl, "while its manufacturing process provides a reliable resource that can deliver the volumes required to support what will be an extremely popular gaming platform."

NEC is just the latest in a string of blue-chip suppliers to be announced for the Xbox 360 manufacturing process - with the two highest profile partners, of course, being ATI and IBM. ATI is supplying a next-generation graphics chipset design for the console, while a number of IBM's Power-series processors will lie at the heart of the system.

GamerLounge.com will release more news as it breaks.