As of early 2023, memory prices, particularly for DDR4 and DDR5, have seen significant increases, with contract prices for DDR4 rising to as high as $17 from $1.45 just over a year ago. This marks an unprecedented surge in costs, with valuations reaching their highest since records began in June 2016.
This price trend is especially relevant for DIY PC builders and anyone looking to upgrade their systems. With prices for DDR4 expected to stabilize rather than decline, consumers should carefully evaluate their purchase decisions. If you’re in the market for memory, remember that while DDR4 may hold steady at elevated prices, DDR5 has also begun to follow this upward trajectory, impacting overall build costs significantly.
For context, the current price of DDR4 memory is significantly higher than alternative memory types. If you’re considering budget options, DDR3 remains available but at a performance cost. On the higher end, you might look at premium brands that offer warranties or better support, but these will be priced accordingly. With basic DDR4 now averaging around $13, this could affect the cost-effectiveness of building a new computer or upgrading an existing one.
For those looking at memory purchases, especially for gaming or performance builds, the recent surge means careful budgeting is necessary. However, if you’re not in urgent need of a memory upgrade, it might be wise to observe the market, aiming for better deals as price stabilization occurs. Alternatively, consumers focused on budget builds might consider sticking with DDR3 compatible systems to keep costs lower while maintaining acceptable performance levels for everyday tasks.
Source:
news.mydrivers.com
