DDR5 memory prices have hit unprecedented levels, with many 16 GB and 32 GB kits now costing twice as much due to supply shortages.
Rising Prices: The Impact on DDR5 Memory
For over a month, reports have been following the upward spiral of DDR5 prices. The situation began escalating around August and September when the soaring demand for AI technology started to drive up memory costs across consumer and enterprise markets. Initially, price hikes of up to 30% were anticipated, but the numbers have since skyrocketed to 80% and recently surpassed a staggering 170% increase for both DDR5 and DDR4 memory products.
DDR5 memory prices are spiraling, with current rates almost doubling from just a few months ago. Twitter user @ghost_motley highlighted a dramatic example: a 64 GB DDR5 kit purchased for £255 in May 2023 now retails at £495. Similarly, Uniko’s Hardware noted a 32 GB DDR5-7600 kit that previously sold for $70 is now priced at approximately $400 for a lower-end DDR5-6000 kit.
Analyzing the DDR5 Market Trends
Examining trends from PCPartPicker, a similar doubling in price is evident for various DDR5 kits. While DDR4 memory is also affected, DDR5 DRAM shows a more pronounced rise. Entry-level 32 GB kits rated at 4800 MT/s are currently around $160-$170 USD, whereas they were available for under $100 USD in August. The 5200 MT/s kits have jumped from around $110-$120 USD to nearly $200 USD. Prices for 5600 MT/s and 6000 MT/s kits have also surged, with the latter now close to $250 USD.
32 GB (16 GB x 2) DDR5-4800 Price Trend (via PCPartPicker):
32 GB (16 GB x 2) DDR5-5200 Price Trend (via PCPartPicker):
32 GB (16 GB x 2) DDR5-5600 Price Trend (via PCPartPicker):
32 GB (16 GB x 2) DDR5-6000 Price Trend (via PCPartPicker):
The Future of DRAM Prices and AI Demand
On Amazon US, the least expensive 32 GB DDR5-5600 modules are priced above $150 USD. It’s essential to note these are single modules. Full 32 GB kits, consisting of two 16 GB sticks, are priced at over $400 USD, with entry-level 5600-6400 MT/s modules reaching higher rates. Faster kits are priced above $600 USD. Newegg still offers better pricing, but given the current trends, it’s expected that many modules will sell out and be restocked at elevated prices.
The 16 GB modules rated at 4800-5600 MT/s speeds are priced at $100 US., once again, these are single modules. 16 GB (8 GB x 2) kits are priced above $300 US at Amazon.
