DRAM Prices Anticipated to Surge as Memory Manufacturers Focus on Server DDR5 Instead of PC Memory

Predictions indicate a significant rise in PC DRAM prices as prominent manufacturers pivot their production efforts towards server-based DDR5 RAM.

Impact of DRAM Manufacturers’ Focus on Server RAM on PC Prices

The anticipated increase in DDR5 RAM prices comes as major DRAM suppliers concentrate on fulfilling demand from the server sector. This shift in focus is particularly noteworthy following Samsung’s announcement of a price hike on their DRAM and NAND products by as much as 30%.

The supply-demand imbalance has led to visible price increases across various types of DRAM, including legacy models like DDR4 and LPDDR4X, as well as newer iterations such as DDR5, LPDDR5X, and GDDR7. According to Trend Force, conventional DRAM prices are projected to rise between 8 to 13 percent quarter-over-quarter in Q4 2025. This increase could be even more pronounced when including High Bandwidth Memory (HBM), suggesting a surge of approximately 13 to 18 percent.

3Q25-4Q25 DRAM price projections table by TrendForce — Image Credit: Trend Force

Adding to the upward pressure on memory prices is the decline in PC sales experienced in Q4 2025. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are currently purchasing less DRAM due to subdued market demand. This trend further diminishes focus on PC DDR4 and DDR5 products, as DRAM manufacturers prioritize supplying cloud service providers (CSPs), who are intensifying their server expansions. Some CSPs are even expected to begin stockpiling DRAM as early as Q4 this year, rather than deferring purchases until the following year.

Uncertainties also loom on the horizon, as DRAM producers may shift their focus to HBM4 in early 2026, further constraining the availability of PC DRAM components. The ramifications of this supply issue will extend to mobile DRAM as well, where both LPDDR4X and LPDDR5X are projected to experience notable price hikes. Specifically, LPDDR4X prices are anticipated to rise by 10% quarter-over-quarter in Q4 2025, while the potential impact on LPDDR5X remains less defined.

Additionally, GDDR6 and GDDR7 memory types are predicted to be affected by these trends. Current-generation GPUs, such as NVIDIA’s RTX 6000 and GeForce RTX 50 series, rely on GDDR7, while AMD’s Radeon RX 7000 series continues to utilize the older GDDR6 format. Reports suggest that GDDR6 supply is tightening more significantly than that of GDDR7, which could lead to even steeper price increases for GDDR6.

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