DRAM Prices Rise 4th Month on Tight Supply

According to industry sources, DRAM prices for smartphones, PCs, and data center servers have risen for the fourth consecutive month. This upward trend is largely driven by expectations that major DRAM manufacturers will halt or reduce production of key products, keeping supply tight amid persistent demand.

In July 2025, the wholesale price of the representative DDR4 8Gb module averaged around $4.28 per unit, while smaller 4Gb modules were priced at approximately $3.26 per unit—both up about 4% from June. DRAM wholesale prices are typically negotiated between manufacturers and clients on a monthly or quarterly basis.

The ongoing reduction in supply is influenced by leading manufacturers such as South Korea's Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, as well as the U.S.-based Micron, shifting production toward next-generation DDR5 and AI-focused HBM (High Bandwidth Memory). Meanwhile, mainland Chinese producers are gradually phasing out DDR4 in favor of DDR5. Outside these major players, only a few firms, including Taiwan's Nanya Technology, continue to supply DDR4. Market insiders note that "some DRAM orders are reaching eight times factory capacity, and certain manufacturers are still unable to confirm when they can fulfill customer requests."

On the module side, DDR5 supply constraints combined with some brands proactively raising DDR4 prices have caused both DDR4 and DDR5 modules to see modest synchronized price increases. This reflects the market's tension between continued demand for traditional specifications and limited availability of newer standards.

In contrast, the SSD market is experiencing a different trend. Anticipated PC restocking for the back-to-school season has not materialized, leading to growing bearish sentiment and a decline in SSD prices.