The DDR5 memory market has taken an unexpected turn as prices reach unprecedented levels. Recent product launches have highlighted the steep costs of these high-capacity memory kits, leaving consumers in awe.
Asgard Unveils High-Capacity DDR5 Kits
Asgard, a Chinese memory manufacturer, has introduced two DDR5 memory kits targeted at mainstream users. The price tags, however, are eye-popping. The prevailing high costs of DDR5 RAM on the market underscore this trend, making even the priciest gaming GPUs seem more affordable in comparison.
Reports suggest that Asgard has released a 192 GB Thor and a 256 GB Valkyrie DDR5 RAM kit. The Thor kit offers a 4x 48 GB configuration, while the Valkyrie features 4x 64 GB sticks, both available for purchase on JD. The 192 GB DDR5 Thor kit is priced at 8,599 Yuan, equivalent to approximately US$1,216. Despite the ongoing DRAM shortages and elevated prices, this remains relatively reasonable when compared to the 256 GB option.
Both models utilize the SK Hynix M-die and provide a 6000 MT/s memory speed with specific timing differences. The 256 GB DDR5 kit was initially offered at 14,599 Yuan or US$2,064, but the price has since climbed to 16,999 Yuan or $2,404. At this rate, it surpasses the MSRP of NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition by $400.
Market Trends and Future Outlook
Previously, these 192 GB and 256 GB kits were available for under $1,000 just a few months back. The recent surge in prices is largely driven by the AI boom, allowing memory manufacturers to escalate DRAM kit prices in real-time. This trend is anticipated to persist until Q4 2027 and could intensify by mid-2026. With key industry players like Micron exiting the consumer market, the responsibility of ensuring adequate DRAM supply shifts to the remaining companies.