Insane DDR4 price spikes mean last-gen RAM loses its value luster versus DDR5 — prices have nearly tripled in just two months

Samsung DDR5 12nm mass production.

For the first time in history, last-gen's DRAM has soared to over double the price of the current generation. The price of DDR4 modules is rapidly outpacing that of DDR5 modules, thanks to a perfect storm of tariff fears and stock uncertainty.

According to TrendForce, some DDR4 kits and configurations have increased by up to 40% in the last week alone, rapidly widening the gap between DDR4 and DDR5 prices. The spot price for DDR4 16Gb (1Gx16) at 3200 MHz from Samsung/SK hynix grew to an average price of $12.50 via DRAMeXchange, with highs reaching $24.00. Comparatively, the price for DDR5 2x8G modules at 4800/5600 MHz has stuck close to $6, with daily highs only hitting $9.