June 24, 2025 /SemiMedia/ — The price of legacy DDR4 memory has surged past DDR5, reversing typical DRAM pricing dynamics and raising concern among semiconductor industry players.

Market data shows that DDR4 16‑Gb (2G×8) chips jumped from $5.17 on June 2 to $8.63, marking a 67% increase in less than a month. The current price is about 44% higher than equivalent DDR5 products. For module configurations, DDR4 16 Gb (1G×16) is now quoted at $12, nearly double the $6.01 for DDR5.

Analysts attribute the surge to tighter supply, as major suppliers including Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron are scaling down DDR4 production in favor of DDR5 and high-bandwidth memory (HBM). At the same time, industrial and embedded applications continue to rely on DDR4 due to the high cost and complexity of redesigning validated platforms.

Suppliers have reported increased demand from OEMs seeking to secure inventory before further cuts in production. While DRAM manufacturers are expected to benefit from higher margins, system builders face mounting bill-of-materials costs. Some component buyers are also revisiting sourcing plans to minimize exposure to further volatility.

Although the price gap is expected to narrow over time, analysts said DDR4 may remain elevated in the near term due to limited output and strong legacy demand. Market attention is now turning to Taiwanese suppliers such as Nanya and Winbond, whose strategies could influence future DDR4 availability and pricing.