DDR Module Orders Halted as DRAM Prices Surge 172% This Year

The dynamic landscape of DRAM pricing has reached unprecedented heights, eliciting concerns that will significantly impact the consumer memory sector. As manufacturers begin to report alarming inventory shortages, the ramifications are becoming increasingly evident.

Confronting RAM Shortages After Overcoming GPU Dilemmas

Currently, the outlook for the DRAM market is troubling, primarily due to the overwhelming absorption of production capacity by the AI memory cycle. A recent report from DigiTimes indicates that Samsung—one of the leading DRAM producers—has paused contract pricing on DDR5 DRAM, setting a precedent that other manufacturers may soon follow.

The spot market for DRAM has seen extraordinary price increases in 2025. For instance, spot prices for DDR5 16Gb have nearly doubled within a month, hitting an astonishing $15.50. Analysts predict that this upward trend will continue into 2026, as the industry’s robust demand is set to maintain pressure on supply chains throughout the first quarter. Key factors contributing to this price surge include prioritization of production for Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) and AI enterprises, with consumer memory types like DDR5 and DDR4 being utilized extensively in CSP frameworks.

SK Hynix Preps Large-Scale DRAM Price Hike, DDR5 Up To 20% Expensive — Image Credits: SK hynix

In light of these dynamics, Samsung and other DRAM manufacturers are reallocating resources to focus on DDR5 and high-bandwidth memory (HBM) to leverage the strong market demand. Unfortunately, consumers are likely to bear the brunt of these changes. Retail prices for memory modules from popular brands like Corsair and Adata have surged significantly since Q3, with price increases of 20% to 40% recently observed, largely due to existing supply constraints. Furthermore, with AI companies locked into long-term agreements with DRAM suppliers, the situation is poised to worsen.

While this situation presents growth opportunities for the DRAM industry, consumers who are considering memory upgrades should act quickly. With pricing on the rise, the current deals season offers a rare chance for buyers to find RAM at slightly reduced rates. We will continue to monitor the market for noteworthy discounts and updates.

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