Best Time to Buy DDR5 & DDR4 RAM Modules Before Prices Rise Further After 30

Recent projections indicate a notable increase in the prices of DDR5 and DDR4 memory modules, driven by an accelerated ‘DRAM supercycle’ fueled by the surging demand from AI technologies, which has nearly depleted production capacities.

Major DRAM Suppliers Anticipate 30% Price Hike, Influencing Consumer Market Dynamics

It is important for consumers not to interpret these developments as alarming; rather, this analysis is rooted in current market estimations and reflects the strong shifts within the DRAM landscape in recent months. DRAM has established itself as a vital component within the AI ecosystem, finding extensive application not only in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) but also in the enduring technologies of DDR4 and DDR5 for general AI purposes. However, a significant portion of the demand is driven by HBM, prompting companies such as Micron to pivot their production to focus narrowly on DRAM.

Furthermore, major clients in the DRAM market are reportedly securing production lines for a timeframe of two to three years, a trend largely dictated by the ongoing AI boom. The demand for HBM is particularly pronounced among industry leaders like NVIDIA and AMD, alongside an influx of custom AI chip solutions from major tech firms, thereby propelling DRAM demand to unprecedented levels.

SK hynix H54G68CYRB memory chips on a silicon wafer. — Image Credits: SK hynix

As for pricing trends, DRAMeXchange reports a consistent upward trend for DDR4 and DDR5 memory over the past weeks. Recently, the price of DDR5 16 GB modules rose by 5%, reflecting a wider market trend. Retail prices are similarly responding to this shift, with contemporary DDR5 RAM models—like the G. Skill Trident Z5 Neo—noticing price hikes as steep as 40% within a month, reaching peak prices of €189.90 on Idealo.de. Retail giants such as Amazon and Newegg are also adjusting their pricing for DDR5 memory, and this escalating pattern is anticipated to persist into the upcoming quarters.

Price development chart for G. Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB 32GB Kit DDR5-6000 with price at 189.90 after 1 month. — Image Credits: Idealo.de

Currently, RAM prices may not appear excessively inflated, particularly as the supply chain has yet to acclimate to the rising DRAM prices. If you are contemplating an upgrade to your memory, Q3 may present a final opportunity to make a purchase, as forecasts suggest that Q4 2025 and the subsequent months will usher in a significantly more expensive era for consumer RAM.

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