Samsung Increases DDR5 Contract Prices by Over 100%

Key Takeaways

1. Samsung has raised DDR5 contract prices by over 100%, reaching $19.2 per Jukan, leading to ongoing high prices for DRAM.
2. DDR4 prices are also increasing, with 16 GB now costing $18, impacting budget options for consumers and OEMs.
3. Spot prices for DDR5 have significantly inflated in December, with no signs of price decreases for DDR4 either.
4. OEMs are likely to pass the increased memory costs onto consumers, potentially raising prices for laptops and smartphones.
5. Immediate purchases of memory products are advised, as significant price increases are expected in early 2026, with improvements not anticipated until 2027.

It seems that the extremely high prices of DRAM are likely to continue, as Samsung has supposedly raised the contract price for DDR5 by more than 100%. This abrupt rise has pushed the DDR5 contract price to $19.2 per Jukan on X. According to reports from Taiwanese media, Jukan states that Samsung has told “downstream customers,” or OEMs, that there is “no stock!”

DDR4 Prices on the Rise Too

In addition to the increase in DDR5 prices, the contract pricing for DDR4 DRAM has also surged. Jukan mentions that the cost for 16 GB of DDR4 DRAM has now reached $18. Therefore, OEMs and consumers looking at DDR4 memory as a temporary, budget-friendly option may now face similar price hikes as those seen with DDR5.

Spot Prices and Future Expectations

Lastly, Taiwanese media has noted that, against the hopes of a gradual price decrease, spot prices for DDR5 memory have experienced even more significant inflation in December. DDR4 memory costs are also climbing, with “no signs of stopping.”

Samsung’s increase in DDR5 contract pricing will directly impact the OEMs who purchase memory chips in bulk, and it’s likely that these OEMs will pass the extra costs on to consumers. For instance, Lenovo might raise the prices of its 2026 laptop models to reflect the new DDR5 pricing. Laptop manufacturers may also cut down on the memory in entry-level models to save money. The same could apply to smartphone producers like Apple and Samsung.

So, if you find yourself needing a new phone, laptop, or desktop RAM right away, it could be wise to purchase what you need immediately. We anticipate significant price increases in the first quarter of 2026, and improvements are not expected until 2027.

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