Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsSK hynix announced a roughly $3.1 billion investment in a new DRAM fabrication plant in Icheon, South Korea, in August 2018. The plan called for a 170,000-square-foot facility, construction starting later that year and completion targeted for October 2020. In 2021, EE Times identified the project as Fab M16 and reported its dedication and planned DRAM production ramp.
What SK hynix announced in 2018
The August 2018 announcement was for a new DRAM fab at SK hynix’s headquarters in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. EE Times reported the investment at about $3.1 billion and the planned building at 170,000 square feet. Construction was expected to begin later in 2018, with completion targeted for October 2020. EE Times’ 2018 report covered the amount, size and schedule.
The company had not yet specified which products or process technologies the plant would make. SK hynix said the production portfolio would be decided later based on market conditions and its technology capabilities, so the announcement should be understood as a planned DRAM-capacity investment rather than a fixed product-line specification.
Why invest in more DRAM capacity?
SK hynix framed the decision around growing memory demand, saying it was “essential to make additional investments in order to meet growing memory demand.” That demand context included a tight memory market: EE Times reported that the DRAM market grew 76% in 2017 and quoted Handel Jones, chief executive of International Business Strategies, forecasting 33% growth in 2018 and a market value above $100 billion in 2019. Those growth figures were contemporary reporting and forecasts, not measures of the fab’s eventual output.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- HMCG78AGBSA095N - SK Hynix 16GB 5600MHz DDR5 PC5-44800 Non-ECC CL46 262-Pin SoDimm 1.1V Single Rank x8 Memory Module
A fab investment also has a timing dimension: companies need to secure cleanroom capacity before production equipment can be installed and manufacturing ramped. The announced facility size and investment reflected a capacity-building plan, but the 2018 announcement did not give a production-volume target.
What happened to the project?
In February 2021, EE Times reported that the Icheon facility was Fab M16 and had been dedicated. The report said M16 was intended for DRAM, beginning with the 1anm generation, and that volume production was expected in the second half of 2021. It also associated roughly $3.1 billion in investment with M16. The 2021 follow-up is the later status report; it establishes dedication and a stated production ramp expectation, not the precise date when commercial volume output began.
Rank #2
- HMCG88AGBSA092N - SK-Hynix 32GB 5600MHz DDR5 PC5-44800 Non-ECC CL46 262-Pin SoDimm 1.1V Single Rank 2Rx8 Memory Module
The original October 2020 completion target and the 2021 dedication report describe different milestones. The available reporting does not establish whether every part of the original schedule was met exactly as planned.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How M16 fits into SK hynix’s later expansion
M16 was one step in a longer capacity-expansion story, not the same project as the company’s later plans for other sites. In 2026, SK hynix’s newsroom described a separate 54-trillion-won program involving Yongin Y2 and Cheongju M17. That later program should not be conflated with the 2018 Icheon investment. SK hynix’s newsroom provides the company’s current context for that subsequent expansion.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- High-Speed DDR5 Performance (5600MHz) Experience next-generation laptop performance with ultra-fast DDR5 5600MHz memory, delivering improved responsiveness, faster load times, and smoother multitasking.
- 8GB Single Module for Easy Upgrades A perfect single-stick 8GB upgrade for laptops, mini PCs, and SFF systems that support DDR5 SODIMM memory.
- Efficient 1.1V Low-Power Operation Optimized DDR5 architecture with 1.1V power usage reduces heat output and increases efficiency—ideal for modern portable systems.
- PC5-44800 / CL46 for Smooth Performance. High bandwidth (PC5-44800) and CL46 latency provide consistent, stable performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and productivity applications.
- Simple Plug-and-Play Installation. 260-pin DDR5 SODIMM format enables quick, tool-free installation—just insert the module and boot up to enjoy immediate performance gains.
Rank #4
- KLEVV is a premium memory brand introduced by Essencore, a global memory product and solution company. Especially well-received in the high-performance gaming memory market, popular among consumers for its quality, performance, and design. Established in 2014, Essencore distributes memory ICs from SK Hynix, a global semiconductor manufacturer, and produces KLEVV memory using SK Hynix's ICs, which is sold under its own brand. Since its launch, KLEVV has been highly regarded by users worldwide for its high-performance memory and SSD products.
- Boost Your Peak Performance, Ultimate RAM for Ultimate Speed: Boasting speeds up to 6800MT/s, the new BOLT V is designed to accelerate system performance even in heavy multitasking, extreme gaming, or intensive graphic creation.
- Fascinating Minimalist Design, Compact yet Powerful Aluminum Heatsink: Designed with decent simplified style while utilizing mighty aluminum metal, the modern BOLT V is not only meticulous in design but efficient in heat dissipation!
- Ultra-low Clearance, Ultra-High Flexibility, Maximized Freedom to Build Your Rig: Enjoy hassle-free installation! With a height of just 34 mm, the BOLT V offers extremely low clearance to maximize your freedom in selecting ideal configuration.
- Bring Your Game to Victory Ready to Rule the Tournament: The BOLT V offers extremely fast performance for top-tier gaming, programs, and applications. It’s tailor-made for gamers and enthusiast who are pursuing speed, design, and quality all at once.
Rank #3
- SK Hyn(Hynix) 16GB DDR5 5600MHz High-Performance Gaming RAM PC5-44800 UDIMM Unbuffered Non-ECC 1Rx8 CL46 Desktop PC Memory OEM PACKAGE
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
