DDR4 Memory Prices Expected to Rise Amid Production Phase-Out

If you have an older PC and are considering a memory upgrade, you might want to act sooner rather than later. Prices for DDR4 memory are anticipated to increase sharply as major memory vendors shift their production focus to DDR5 DRAM.

End of DDR4 Production

The shift to DDR5 is raising concerns among users of older systems. Reports indicate that Samsung and SK Hynix have issued end-of-life notices to their customers regarding the discontinuation of DDR4 memory for PCs. Micron, the last major manufacturer still producing DDR4, has also indicated a similar move, according to Digitimes via Tom’s Hardware.

Impact on Older PC Platforms

While most modern PC platforms have transitioned to DDR5 memory, DDR4 was commonly used in Intel’s older platforms, specifically those utilizing 6th to 10th generation Core processors, as well as AMD Ryzen chips that employed the AM4 socket, up to the Ryzen 5000 generation. This transition poses challenges for users of these older platforms, which have been valued for their longevity.

Market Reactions and Price Predictions

The dwindling supply of DDR4 memory, coupled with tariff concerns, has led to increased volatility in the memory market. TrendForce, a Taiwan-based analyst firm, has reported that DDR4 prices for PCs are expected to rise by 13 to 18 percent in the second quarter. Furthermore, the firm projects that prices could continue to escalate in the third quarter as well reports.

Micron’s Production Plans

While confirmation from Micron regarding the cessation of DDR4 production is still pending, the company’s focus on high-bandwidth memory (HBM) for artificial intelligence applications and LPDDR5X for smartphones and tablets suggests a strategic shift away from DDR4. The memory industry is characterized by low profit margins, prompting vendors to pursue the most lucrative opportunities.

Future of DDR4 Memory

Despite the anticipated decline in DDR4 production from the major manufacturers, it is unlikely that DDR4 memory will completely vanish from the market. The so-called “big three” memory producers—Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron—may be stepping back, but smaller companies could fill the gap. For instance, Nanya and Huabang are still active in the DDR4 market still appear to be committed to DDR4.

Additionally, ChangXin Storage, a Chinese manufacturer, reportedly ramped up its DDR4 production at the end of last year but also plans to reduce output soon. As a Chinese entity, ChangXin is subject to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, which could make its products less competitive compared to those from Taiwan-based manufacturers.

Understanding DDR5 Memory

DDR5 memory was developed in response to the increasing core counts of modern PC processors. As the number of cores has risen, the memory bandwidth available to each core has decreased. However, it is important to note that DDR5 memory is neither physically nor electrically backward-compatible with DDR4. This means that users cannot simply purchase a DDR5 memory stick and expect it to function in a system designed for DDR4 memory learn more about PC memory.

Final Thoughts on DDR4 Memory Investments

According to TrendForce, as cited by the Nikkei business publication, Micron’s DDR4 chip production is expected to wind down within the next two to three months. This timeline provides a brief window for users who wish to stock up on DDR4 memory to maintain their existing systems without incurring the costs associated with tariffs on new hardware. If you are considering an investment in DDR4 memory, it may be prudent to act soon.