DDR4 Prices Surge Beyond DDR5 as Buyers Frenziedly Seek Available DRAM

The DRAM industry is currently experiencing significant upheaval, with reports indicating that spot prices for DDR4 memory have surged dramatically—outpacing DDR5 prices for this quarter. This unexpected shift is raising alarms among consumers and manufacturers alike, hinting at a turbulent market ahead.

Manufacturers Struggle to Adjust DRAM Prices in Consumer Products, Resulting in Relatively Affordable PCs

As we move into the first quarter of 2026, the memory shortage intensifies, making higher-end RAM configurations increasingly unattainable for average consumers. We’ve explored the primary factors contributing to this scarcity in previous discussions. However, the current desperation within the DRAM market is noteworthy. According to Ctee, market dynamics have led to a staggering 172% increase in DDR4 spot prices, while DDR5 has seen a more modest rise of 76%.Analyzing the situation, Goldman Sachs indicates that this increase in DRAM prices is just the beginning of a broader trend.

Interestingly, the current spike in DRAM spot prices has yet to be reflected in the retail prices of consumer products. Industry reports suggest that downstream customers are finding it increasingly challenging to secure long-term agreements (LTAs) for supplies, which bodes poorly for product availability in the marketplace.

Impact on smartphone Bill of Materials due to increased DRAM costs — Image Credits: SK hynix

As the market conditions evolve, it is expected that the pricing of DRAM modules will soon reflect these spot price changes in consumer electronics. This trend could lead to modern GPUs and RAM becoming more expensive than previously anticipated. The pressure on manufacturers to absorb these rising costs is diminishing, compelling them to pass the burden onto customers—particularly in the client sector. The outlook for the PC industry appears grim, with indications that we may face ongoing challenges for several quarters.

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