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DRAM manufacturers to pay $310 million to PC, console owners

A class action lawsuit brought against 12 DRAM manufacturers has resulted in a $310 million settlement to the benefit of those who purchased devices during a period of alleged price fixing.

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GamesIndustry reports those who purchased DRAM (or products containing it such as PCs and games consoles) from US vendors between 1998 and 2002 inclusive are eligible to apply for a slice of the settlement.

Payments will be at least $10 and may range as high as $1,000 depending on amount purchased and number of claims filed. Apply here before August 1.

The class-action lawsuit alleged Elpida, Hitachi, Hynix, Infineon, Micron, Mitsubishi, Mosel, Nanya, NEC, Samsung, Toshiba and Winbond colluded to fix memory prices from 1998 through 2002. The manufacturers have collectively denied any wrongdoing, but in addition to the settlement have agreed to educate employees and "not to engage in the conduct that is at issue in these lawsuits".

The manufacturers have not been equally penalised, with Samsung taking the largest hit at $113 million. Approximately $200 million of the money is expected to be paid out to claimants, while the rest will be eaten up by legal fees and government charges.

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Brenna Hillier avatar

Brenna Hillier

Contributor

Based in Australia and having come from a lengthy career in the Aussie games media, Brenna worked as VG247's remote Deputy Editor for several years, covering news and events from the other side of the planet to the rest of the team. After leaving VG247, Brenna retired from games media and crossed over to development, working as a writer on several video games.

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