Samsung DDR4 and DDR5 RAM Prices Reportedly Rise as Memory Modules Jump Up to 19%
RAM prices are climbing again, and PC builders may feel the impact sooner rather than later. Recent retail price tracking from South Korea suggests that Samsung-based DDR4 and DDR5 memory modules have seen a noticeable increase over the past month, with DDR4 showing the sharper jump.
The latest movement appears to reflect higher pricing for Samsung memory chips, which are widely used in consumer RAM modules. Both DDR4 and DDR5 memory have reportedly been affected, adding more pressure to an already tight DRAM market.
According to pricing data spotted on Danawa, 16 GB memory modules using Samsung chips have become significantly more expensive in just one month. The most surprising change is in DDR4 memory, which usually moves more slowly in price compared to newer DDR5 kits.
The tracked 16 GB DDR4 module reportedly rose from around 162,000 Korean won last month, roughly $105.70, to about 193,130 won, or around $126. That represents an increase of nearly 19% in a single month, a steep jump for a memory standard that has been on the market for years.
DDR5 memory has also become more expensive, though the increase appears to be smaller. A 16 GB DDR5 module reportedly rose by around 33,100 Korean won, equal to approximately $21.60. That works out to a price increase of about 10% in one month, which is still significant for buyers planning a new PC build or upgrade.
This shift is important because DDR4 remains widely used across budget and mid-range desktop platforms. While DDR5 is now the newer standard for modern systems, DDR4 continues to be popular due to its compatibility with older Intel and AMD platforms, lower motherboard costs, and strong availability.
The renewed interest in DDR4 could push prices even higher. Intel and its partners are reportedly increasing focus on DDR4-compatible platforms, including continued support for previous-generation processors and upcoming products aimed at meeting market demand. Motherboard vendors are also expected to supply more DDR4-compatible boards, which may increase demand for DDR4 memory modules.
If demand continues to rise while DRAM supply remains tight, DDR4 prices could see even more upward pressure. This would be a frustrating development for budget-conscious PC builders who typically rely on DDR4 as a cheaper alternative to DDR5.
For consumers, the message is clear: RAM may not stay affordable for long. Anyone planning to upgrade a desktop, build a gaming PC, or expand system memory may want to keep a close eye on memory prices over the coming weeks. Both DDR4 and DDR5 modules are becoming more expensive, and the trend could continue if chip pricing keeps rising.
The current memory market is once again showing how quickly component prices can change. After years of falling RAM prices, the market appears to be shifting in the opposite direction, with Samsung-based DDR4 and DDR5 modules now leading the latest wave of increases.
