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 problemsSome links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Infineon Technologies AG agreed in September 2004 to plead guilty to joining a conspiracy to fix prices for certain DRAM sales and to pay a $160 million criminal fine. The company formally pleaded guilty and was sentenced on October 20, 2004. The case concerned sales to six named computer makers between July 1, 1999, and June 15, 2002—not every DRAM sale or every buyer in the global market.
What happened, and when?
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Infineon’s agreement on September 15, 2004; the formal guilty plea and sentence followed on October 20. The alleged conspiracy period ran from approximately July 1, 1999, through June 15, 2002. The DOJ’s September 15 announcement and case record distinguish the agreement from the later court proceeding.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 1, 1999–June 15, 2002 | Approximate period of the DRAM price-fixing conspiracy described by the DOJ. |
| September 15, 2004 | The DOJ announced Infineon had agreed to plead guilty and pay a $160 million criminal fine. |
| October 20, 2004 | Infineon pleaded guilty and was sentenced to pay the $160 million fine. |
| December 2, 2004 | Four Infineon executives agreed to plead guilty in related proceedings, according to the DOJ’s executive announcement. |
What is DRAM, and what sales were involved?
DRAM, or dynamic random-access memory, is semiconductor memory used for temporary storage and quick retrieval of electronic information. The DOJ described its use in personal computers and laptops, workstations and servers, printers and hard drives, mobile phones and telecommunications equipment, digital cameras and video recorders, televisions, game consoles, and MP3 players.
The case did not establish that every DRAM product or transaction during those years was affected. The DOJ described the conspiracy in relation to sales to certain computer and server manufacturers, identifying six customers: Dell Inc., Compaq Computer Corp., Hewlett-Packard Co., Apple Computer Inc., International Business Machines Corp. (IBM), and Gateway Inc.
#1 Best Overall
- Boosts System Performance: 32GB DDR5 RAM laptop memory kit (2x16GB) that operates at 5600MHz, 5200MHz, or 4800MHz to improve multitasking and system responsiveness for smoother performance
- Accelerated gaming performance: Every millisecond gained in fast-paced gameplay counts—power through heavy workloads and benefit from versatile downclocking and higher frame rates
- Optimized DDR5 compatibility: Best for 12th Gen Intel Core and AMD Ryzen 7000 Series processors — Intel XMP 3.0 and AMD EXPO also supported on the same RAM module
- Trusted Micron Quality: Backed by 42 years of memory expertise, this DDR5 RAM is rigorously tested at both component and module levels, ensuring top performance and reliability
- ECC Type = Non-ECC, Form Factor = SODIMM, Pin Count = 262-Pin, PC Speed = PC5-44800, Voltage = 1.1V, Rank And Configuration = 1Rx8
How did the alleged price-fixing work?
The conduct was more specific than a general claim that competitors charged high prices. According to the DOJ, Infineon and other DRAM producers communicated with competitors about prices, agreed on target prices for certain customers, and submitted quotations consistent with those agreements. They also exchanged customer-sales information to monitor whether participants were following the arrangement. The related executive proceedings described executives authorizing, ordering, or consenting to subordinate employees’ participation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What did the $160 million fine mean?
It was a criminal antitrust fine imposed in the U.S. case. It was not a payment to DRAM buyers, a consumer refund, or a civil damages award. Infineon also agreed to cooperate with the DOJ’s continuing investigation of other DRAM producers. That cooperation places the company’s plea within a broader investigation, but the cited Infineon announcements do not by themselves establish the outcomes or penalties in every related matter.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Disclaimer: Maximum Speed requires overclocking/PC BIOS adjustments. Maximum speed and performance depend on system components, including motherboard and CPU
- AMD EXPO & Intel XMP 3.0 Compatible Only: Dual memory profiles allow you to easily select optimized settings for your platform, whether you’re running an AMD or Intel processor
- Dynamic RGB Lighting: Individually addressable RGB lighting delivers vibrant effects through a sleek, understated panoramic diffuser
- Onboard Voltage Regulation: Onboard voltage regulation for reliable power at high frequencies
- Maximum Bandwidth and Tight Response Times: Optimized for peak performance on the latest AMD and Intel DDR5 motherboards
Rank #3
- Capacity: 16GB(2 x 8GB)
- Tested Frequency Profile 1: PC5-48000 (6000MT/s)
- Tested Timings: 36-46-46-110
- Feature Overclock: XMP 3.0 & EXPO overclocking supported
- On-Die ECC
Rank #2
- Requires overclocking/BIOS adjustments. Maximum speed and performance depends on system components, including motherboard and CPU.
- G.SKILL Flare X5 Series DDR5 U-DIMM Memory Kit, Model: F5-6000J3636F16GX2-FX5
- Non-ECC, DDR5 U-DIMM, 288-pin, for Desktop PC & Gaming
- Includes JEDEC default profile, and AMD EXPO & Intel XMP 3.0 memory overclock profile
- Do not mix memory kits. Memory kits are sold in matched kits that are designed to run together as a set. Mixing memory kits will result in stability issues or system failure.
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.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →
