In the past whenever Microsoft came out with a new operating system, there has always been a double-digit increase in quarterly DRAM shipments. However this year, the rollout of Windows 8 is not expected to create as significant a rise as in past years.

Global DRAM shipments are expected to rise only 8% in the fourth quarter compared to the third, and this comes from DRAM for PCs, smartphones and tablets combined, according to IHS Suppli. The research firm says the lean hardware requirements of the new operating system, won't cause a ripple in DRAM shipments.

"The release of a new Microsoft OS traditionally has been accompanied by more advanced system requirements, which then fuels growth in the DRAM market as more bits are shipped," said Clifford Leimbach, analyst for memory demand forecasting at IHS. "However, starting with Windows 7 and continuing with Windows 8, Microsoft has taken a leaner approach with its operating systems, maintaining the same DRAM requirements as before. Meanwhile, consumers are continuing to eschew new PC purchases in the fourth quarter, with Windows 8 not expected to change this situation."

When Windows 3.1 was releases, DRAM bits shipments increased 29% in the first quarter compared to 12 % in the earlier quarter. Windows 95 saw a 23% surge during the fourth quarter of 1995. Prior to that DRAM shipments ranged between 11% to 14% in the previous four quarters. The release of Windows 98 saw DRAM shipments rise 40%, while the Windows 2000 OS saw a record 49% in DRAM shipments. Windows XP saw growth in DRAM shipments begin to level off around 41%. The release of Windows Vista and Windows 7, saw growth rates on DRAM shipments go from 24%, followed by 18% respectively.