DDR5 and DDR4 RAM Prices Set to Climb Higher as AI Boom Strains DRAM Supply

Memory prices are entering a new, turbulent phase – and if you’ve been thinking about upgrading your PC, this might be the perfect window to grab those DDR5 or DDR4 RAM modules before the next big price surge. The global DRAM market is heating up fast, driven by an unprecedented AI boom that’s putting immense pressure on semiconductor manufacturing lines worldwide.

Recent analyses suggest that both DDR4 and DDR5 memory modules could see prices soar even higher, following an already steep 30–50% increase in recent months.

At the heart of this surge lies the so-called ‘DRAM supercycle’ – a market phenomenon triggered by skyrocketing demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) used in AI applications. DRAM has become indispensable in the AI supply chain, powering everything from cloud-based AI servers to next-generation consumer devices. While HBM remains the star player for GPUs and AI accelerators, conventional DRAM types like DDR5 and DDR4 continue to handle a large share of general computing and AI workloads. With so many new AI products hitting the market, traditional DRAM is being stretched thin.

Manufacturers are already responding to this pressure. A recent report from ChosunBiz reveals that industry giants Samsung and SK hynix – two of the world’s largest DRAM producers – are planning to raise DRAM and NAND flash prices by about 30%, starting as early as Q4. These price adjustments are directly linked to AI-fueled production reallocation. Some major corporate clients are reportedly booking DRAM capacity for as long as two to three years ahead, ensuring they have enough chips to power their AI initiatives. The result? Less production volume available for consumer products, and consequently, higher retail prices.

DRAMeXchange has confirmed this ongoing trend, noting consistent price hikes over the past several weeks. As of this week, 16 GB DDR5 modules have risen by another 5% in price. Popular models like G.Skill’s Trident Z5 Neo have seen even sharper spikes – up to 40% within a single month – with European retailers now listing them for around €189.90 on platforms like Idealo.de. Online giants such as Amazon and Newegg are following suit, reflecting the same upward movement in their listings.

Despite these increases, analysts argue that the current retail prices still haven’t fully caught up with wholesale DRAM quotations. This means there’s likely more room for growth before the market stabilizes. Industry leaders Micron, Samsung, and SK hynix have all signaled that the next wave of price corrections will hit consumers soon, potentially pushing RAM prices to multi-year highs. For PC builders and upgraders, this summer might represent the last relatively affordable window before Q4 2025 ushers in a new era of expensive memory components.

In short, the global AI race has transformed DRAM into one of the most sought-after commodities in the tech ecosystem. As companies divert resources to feed AI chip production, consumer memory could become the next casualty of scarcity pricing. If you’ve been eyeing that DDR5 upgrade, now’s the time – because in a few months, the same kit might cost significantly more.