According to market research firm DRAMeXchange, revenue of the global DRAM brand makers in Q4 grew 16.2 percent from Q3. Korean makers continued to assume the market's leading role by capturing 44.6 percent of the DRAM market share. Taiwanese makers came in second in Q4, accounting for 17.8 percent, down from the 19.5 percent share they held in Q3.

Sales breakdown by companies in Q4 showed what DRAMeXchange touted as a "stellar performance" by Hynix. In Q4, Hynix acquired a 20 percent market share, increasing its lead over Qimonda. Meanwhile, the revenue and bit growth for Elpida respectively reached 28 percent and 25 percent.

According to DRAMeXchange, six new 12 inch fabs came online in 2006; some of the fabs were newly constructed, while others were converted from 8 inch fabs. By the end of 2007, the firm expects the number of 12 inch fabs will reach 27.

Q4 didn't hold good news for all companies, however. DRAMeXchange said
that Samsung is starting to feel a squeeze on its market share, as is Micron. From the 20 percent market share Micron held in 2005, it has slid to 11 percent in Q4, according to the firm. See chart below for more data.

Ranking of own-brand DRAM sales revenue of the top 10 DRAM makers in Q406
DRAM Revenue/Million Dollars (Not including foundry, flash, CMOS image sensor)