Samsung raises DDR5 component prices by 30% for major clients, driven by AI data center demand. Retail drops are temporary, with long-term increases expected.
© A. Krivonosov
While retail prices for DDR5 memory have dipped locally, Samsung continues to raise the cost of its components. In the first quarter of 2026, the manufacturer secured long-term contracts at prices above last year's levels, and current deals with major clients show a 30% increase compared to the previous quarter.
This price hike is driven by steady demand from data centers for artificial intelligence, which sustains interest in large-scale contracts. Even though consumers may see some price drops for DDR5 modules in the U.S. and Europe, Samsung remains focused on long-term agreements and premium terms for big customers.
The expansion of AI data centers has led to a memory shortage, including high-performance HBM, impacting the retail market. In the U.S. and Europe, some modules have become cheaper, and in China, components are selling 30% below early 2026 levels, but analysts view this as a temporary trend.
Experts believe demand for high-performance DRAM and HBM remains stable, making a long-term price increase for DDR5 nearly inevitable. Laptop and gaming console owners are unlikely to see price drops soon, and smartphones won't receive more attractive memory offers either.
Samsung isn't the only player benefiting from the AI boom: Micron and SK Hynix also plan to raise contract prices in the second quarter, confirming that the current memory price surge is tied to global industry trends.