In recent months, DDR5 memory prices have climbed rapidly, causing concern among PC builders and gamers. While many expect this situation to last for years, a senior official from Sapphire believes the price increase may not last as long as feared.
High Costs Hit the Entire Industry
Speaking on The Hardware Unboxed Podcast, Sapphire Public Relations Manager Edward Crisler addressed the current DRAM situation and warned buyers not to panic. According to Crisler, some of the recent price increases seem to stem from market uncertainty rather than an actual supply shortage.
Crisler warned that DDR5 prices are currently “unreasonable” and could completely discourage people from building or upgrading PCs. He stated that persistently high memory costs could negatively impact not only RAM sales but also demand for other components, including motherboards, cases, and graphics cards.
Despite this, he painted a more optimistic picture regarding the timing. Crisler suggested that sellers are reacting defensively to market conditions, indicating that prices could begin to stabilize within six to eight months. He likened this to past price reactions around US tariffs, where companies raised prices in anticipation of disruptions, even if supply wasn’t immediately affected.
This optimistic view goes against many predictions in the industry. Most analysts expect rising memory prices to extend beyond 2026, as major suppliers like Samsung and SK Hynix prioritize AI and data center demand.
Even if prices remain high, Crisler believes PC enthusiasts will adapt, as they have during past periods of scarcity. He cited examples of users using older hardware for longer or adjusting system specifications rather than paying inflated prices.
For now, Crisler’s advice is simple: Avoid panic buying. Whether prices fall for months or remain high for longer, the DDR5 market remains volatile, and buyers may be better off waiting for clearer signals before making large purchases.
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