SK Hynix (formerly Hynix Semiconductor), the world's second-largest DRAM memory supplier, has reported another quarterly loss as a result of weak chip demand and falling prices.

Revenues at SK Hynix slid 6% sequentially and 14% on year to KRW2.34 trillion (US$2.1 billion) in the first quarter of 2012. It generated operating losses of KRW260 billion in the first quarter, compared with losses of KRW167 billion in the previous quarter and profits of KRW323 billion in first-quarter 2011.

SK Hynix reported net losses of KRW271 billion for first-quarter 2012, compared to losses of KRW240 billion in the prior quarter and profits of KRW274 billion a year ago.

SK Hynix revealed that its DRAM and NAND flash ASPs saw sequential decreases of 10% and 16%, respectively, in the first quarter of 2012. However, shipments of both DRAM and NAND flash products grew 9% and 2%, respectively, on quarter, the maker said.

SK Hynix indicated the firm is transitioning to 30nm-class process technology for the manufacture of DRAM chips, which are no longer targeted at PC applications but mobile and server products. The maker expects 3Xnm-made products to eventually reach high-60% of total DRAM sales by the end of the second quarter, and will start to supply chips built using a newer 2Xnm process in the second half of 2012.

As for NAND flash, chips made using 20nm-class process nodes will account for more than 90% of total sales at the end of the second quarter, SK Hynix said. The firm also expects mass production at its new M12 NAND flash fab to kick off in the second half of 2012.