Data From Price-tracking Platforms Shows That in August, Some DRAM Kits Cost Roughly Five Times More Than They Did a Year Earlier

Memory prices have spiraled out of control over the past 12 months, with DDR5 modules hitting record highs on increases approaching 500 percent and no signs of a downturn. Data from price-tracking platforms shows that in August, some DRAM kits cost roughly five times more than they did a year earlier. According to PCPartPicker data, the rise in DDR5 memory prices varies significantly by capacity and speed.

The price of 2x16 GB, 4,800 MT/s DDR5 kits rose 372 percent over the past 12 months, while 2x32 GB kits at 5,600 MT/s saw a 485 percent increase. The scale of the change is most visible in high-capacity kits: a 64 GB DDR5 kit at 6,000 MT/s that previously sold for $222 has climbed to as much as $1,272. Older-generation DDR4 memory has also seen price increases, though at a more moderate pace. PCPartPicker data shows DDR4 kits rose between 120 percent and 177 percent over the past year.

The figures reflect U.S. prices; the picture in Europe suggests the global surge may be even steeper. According to Germany-based ComputerBase, memory prices in the eurozone rose 345 percent year over year in August. Earlier industry reports indicate that all planned memory production capacity for 2027 has already been reserved.

The three major memory makers — Samsung, SK hynix, and Micron — are reported to have sold out their entire production capacity for next year. With no sign of supply easing in the near term, concerns are growing that the annual rise in memory prices could climb even higher in the coming period.