The situation in the DRAM industry right now is nothing short of 'shockers', and by the looks of it, things are getting out of control, as DDR4 spot prices are reported to have risen significantly, higher than DDR5 this quarter.
Manufacturers Have Yet to Reflect DRAM Spot Price Hikes in End Products, Implying PC Products Are Still Relatively 'Cheaper'
Memory shortages are at full force heading into Q1 2026, as almost all higher-end RAM configurations are out of reach for the ordinary consumer. We have discussed the primary reason for the ongoing situation several times in the past, but interestingly, the 'desperation' in the DRAM markets is so intense that, according to Ctee, DDR4 spot prices have climbed by a whopping 172%, while DDR5 prices have risen by 76%. The report quotes analysis from Goldman Sachs, and the DRAM price surge is just a 'start' according to them.
The report claims that the current DRAM spot prices haven't been adjusted to reflect the current price of DRAM products in the consumer market, and that, for "downstream customers", securing LTAs is more difficult than ever. On the other hand, suppliers like SK hynix and Samsung are seeking rather short-term arrangements, eager to reflect 'spot premiums' in client contracts, leaving manufacturers in a difficult situation.
It is claimed that the upcoming months will reflect the current pricing of DRAM modules in end products, meaning modern-day GPUs and RAM modules could become pricier than ever imagined. Spot market pricing of DDR5/DDR4 shows manufacturers cannot absorb costs anymore, and ultimately, they would be forced to pass them on to customers, likely those in the client segment. Things are not looking good for the PC industry at all, and judging by the current trend, we could be in for a difficult time for several quarters ahead.
About the author: Muhammad Zuhair is a hardware and technology reporter for Wccftech, specializing in the semiconductor industry and the complex interplay between technology, manufacturing, and geopolitics. His coverage focuses on the corporate strategies and technological roadmaps of industry giants like TSMC, NVIDIA, Samsung, and Intel. Zuhair's expertise lies in deconstructing complex topics such as fabrication nodes (e.g., 2nm process), the economic impact of policies like the CHIPS Act, and the strategic development of AI infrastructure from NVIDIA, AMD and Intel.
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