Memory packaging and testing specialists including Powertech Technology (PTI) and Walton Advanced Engineering have both enjoyed a ramp-up in orders for mobile DRAM chips recently, according to company sources.

Market rumors indicating that Apple has booked up half of mobile DRAM capacity at Elpida Memory's plant in Hiroshima have also boosted prospects for PTI and Walton, since the two companies are the major IC packaging and testing partners for Elpida, said industry sources.

PTI expects the utilization of its testing and packaging capacity to maintain at 70% in the second quarter, of which 20-25% will be allocated for mobile DRAM production. Additionally, the company also plans to reallocate more capacity from commodity DRAM chips to mobile DRAM parts in 2012, PTI said.

Walton reportedly plans to raise its capex for 2012 to more than NT$1 billion (US$33.81 million), mainly for ramping up its capacity for mobile DRAM chips, noted industry sources.

In response, Walton said it will finalize its capex budget for 2012 before the end of the second quarter and expects the production of niche and mobile DRAM chips will account for over 50% of its total output in the third quarter.