Samsung is keeping DDR4 RAM alive longer than expected. In a move driven by continued demand, the company has committed to producing the older memory standard into 2026. But if you’re hoping that this signals a return to affordable RAM pricing, don’t hold your breath.
DDR4 RAM production extended into 2026
According to DigiTimes, Samsung has reversed course on winding down DDR4 output. The shift comes as buyers frustrated by inflated DDR5 prices flock back to the previous generation for some financial breathing room. Even so, DDR4 isn’t cheap either, and that’s not expected to change anytime soon.
Samsung has reportedly signed a Non-Cancellable, Non-Returnable (NCNR) contract with a key customer. This guarantees a fixed supply at a fixed price, but only for that client. In short, this isn’t about helping consumers, it’s about securing profits and stabilizing enterprise relationships.
A new report suggests HP or Lenovo secured RAM supply from major manufacturers, raising concerns for smaller PC makers amid a worsening memory crisis.
AI demand keeps memory prices high
The backdrop to this is the ongoing RAM crisis fueled by AI infrastructure. High-end data centers are still absorbing a massive share of available memory, leaving consumers and smaller builders scrambling. Samsung’s DDR4 commitment, like its DDR5 plans, leans heavily toward servers and commercial clients not gamers or DIY PC fans.
SK Hynix, another major supplier, is also continuing DDR4 production. But again, there’s no plan to expand supply in a way that would soften pricing for the general market. RAM costs remain stuck at record highs, and availability is tight.
How DDR4 is reshaping budget and mid-tier PC builds
Even with pricing pain, DDR4’s continued presence is shaking up the market in small ways. Here’s how:
- Intel 12th–14th gen CPUs still support DDR4 on compatible boards
- Gamers are turning to used parts or older builds to stretch budgets
- Brands like ASRock are launching hybrid motherboards (e.g., H610M Combo) with both DDR4 and DDR5 support
This gives budget-focused users more flexibility, especially those trying to escape DDR5’s inflated costs without sacrificing performance entirely.
Some in the industry see light at the end of the tunnel
Not everyone is forecasting doom. Sapphire’s PR manager, Edward Crisler, recently urged players not to panic-buy. Speaking on the Hardware Unboxed podcast, he predicted that prices could start to level off within six months. He also praised gamers for their resilience and ability to stretch old gear when new parts are scarce.
For now, though, Samsung’s decision is a mixed bag: DDR4 lives on, but access remains limited and affordability is still out of reach for many.
