September 3, 2025 /SemiMedia/ — Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix will extend DDR4 production into next year after prices for the older memory generation rose above DDR5, reversing earlier plans to phase it out.

Industry sources said both companies had informed customers earlier this year that DDR4 would be discontinued, but spot market prices climbed steadily after the announcements. According to TrendForce, DDR4 16GB chips were priced at $7.01 in June, compared with $5.85 for DDR5. By August, the gap widened further, with DDR4 at $8.59 versus $6.17 for DDR5.

The unusual price inversion reflects tight supply. Production capacity has been diverted to high-bandwidth memory (HBM), which requires about three times more wafers than standard DRAM, while China’s CXMT also announced plans to exit DDR4 manufacturing.

SK Hynix is preparing to increase DDR4 output at its Wuxi, China facility, where older lines are concentrated. “Some customers still rely on DDR4, and higher prices provide added incentive,” one industry official said.

Analysts caution the trend will be temporary, with the market ultimately shifting to DDR5 despite current profitability.