X-bit labs

Interview: OCZ Reveals New PSU Market Strategy (page 4)

Category: Editorial

by Anna Filatova , Ilya Gavrichenkov

[ 06/14/2007 | 09:19 AM ]

X-bit labs: OCZ has been always focusing on modular power supply units, while PCP&C doesn’t have a single modular PSU in their product lineup. In fact, they even consider modular technology to be inefficient (http://www.pcpower.com/technology/myths/, #3). Will OCZ continue offering modular power supplies? Which approach to the PSU development will dominate? What engineering team will be in charge? Since Doug Dodson, founder and CEO of PCP&C, is going to be the new OCZ CTO, will it affect the PSU development strategy and engineering approaches?

Ryan Petersen: OCZ will continue to offer modular PSU’s, something that was requested by consumers. At the same time Doug will be continually working on ways to improve the performance of modular solutions, as he is in charge of the engineering of all our power management products. The approach will be to overcome any and all challenges, and provide the best solutions to a wider range of consumers. A modular PSU may not be for everyone, but for those who place a higher value on the ease of use and clean layout offered with modular design we will make sure to offer the best product possible.

X-bit labs : I would like to ask the same question about another technological difference we have always observed between OCZ and PCP&C power supplies. OCZ is using top-mounted 120-mm fans in their power supplies, while PCP&C only uses rear-mounted 80-mm fans considering them a much more efficient solution (http://www.pcpower.com/technology/myths/, #6). What is going to happen now? What engineering approach will win?

Ryan Petersen: The only party that will “win” is the consumer. We will offer both solutions split into the current lines of OCZ and PCP&C. Whether or not a 120-mm ever makes it to the PC Power & Cooling offering will depend on whether or not Doug can find a way to build one that satisfies all his requirements. Until then consumers have a choice between our two uniquely positioned product lines.

X-bit labs: The acquisition of PCP&C Company aroused some concerns that OCZ that has always been known as primarily enthusiast memory manufacturer will now shift its focus to power supply business. Are these concerns justified? Will PSU business become the No.1 priority for OCZ Technology now?

Ryan Petersen : While we are a leader in enthusiast memory we have continually expanded into other product lines. OCZ already had a line of top selling power supplies, and we have also been successful selling coolers as well. We are continually expanding our capabilities as an organization, and the priority is to deliver top notch enthusiast solutions in all our product categories.

X-bit labs: Some memory manufacturers start paying more attention to alternative drives such as solid state drives. What are OCZ’s plans in that respect? PQI has recently announced the world’s largest SSD drive with 256GB capacity (http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/storage/display/20070530081801.html). Any plans to break that record in the near future?

Alex Mei: We are constantly expanding our line of storage solutions, but our emphasis is on performance rather than raw capacity. We will release an ultra high capacity SSD drive only if we can make it the fastest drive on the market. One very interesting product we are working on is our patent pending Firewire flash drive, which offers consumers a significantly higher transfer rate. We just showed working demos last week at Computex Taipei, and are preparing to unveil the final product in the coming quarter.

X-bit labs: Is OCZ going to expand its business to any other market segments for computer enthusiasts, like mainboard business, for instance?

Ryan Petersen: OCZ has always been about making the best products to meet the ever changing needs of our customers. If we feel that we can make a product better and fill a need in the market with a superior solution then we will absolutely move forward. OCZ isn’t just about enthusiast memory, were about enthusiast solutions, so anything is possible. Thank you to Xbit Labs and all your readers for all your support, and stay tuned for some truly revolutionary solutions.

X-bit labs: On behalf of our readers and our team I would like to thank you very much for your time and for the great opportunity to get first-hand answers to our questions. We look forward to hearing more great news from OCZ Technology and seeing more exciting products. Good luck with the new challenges!