DRAM chipmakers Powerchip Technology and Rexchip Electronics have reported decreases in August 2012 revenues from the previous month of 3.2% and 56.1%, respectively.

Powerchip attributed the sequential sales drop to sluggish PC shipments that led to weak demand and prices for DRAM chips. Powerchip noted that the firm has moved its business focus to memory chips for mobile device applications and foundry services, which helped offset potential revenue losses.

Powerchip's foundry business has attracted orders for niche-market memory and non-memory products including LCD driver ICs and image sensors, with clear order visibility seen through the end of 2012, according to company spokesperson Eric Tang.

Powerchip announced August revenues of NT$2.63 billion (US$88.2 million), down slightly on month but up 6.4% on year. Revenues totaled about NT$18.29 billion for the first eight months of 2012, a 37.4% decrease from a year earlier.

Rexchip, the Taiwan-based production subsidiary of Elpida Memory, saw its revenues plunge 56% sequentially to NT$1.19 billion in August. Accumulated revenues from January through August totaled NT$18.08 billion, compared to the NT$22.67 billion posted during the same period of 2011.

The substantial fall Rexchip had in August revenues could be the result of falling demand from Elpida, as well as Rexchip's recent production cut. Rexchip was quoted in previous reports saying that the decision to cut back production was aimed at reducing cash outflow.