DDR5 and DDR4 memory prices remain significantly elevated in October 2026 as the global DRAM shortage continues affecting PC builders and customers planning hardware upgrades.
A recent US retail price comparison shows that some DDR5 memory kits now cost several times their historical lowest prices, with higher capacity configurations facing particularly steep increases.
A standard 32GB DDR5 kit, which commonly sold for $100 to $200 in October 2025, now frequently costs between $350 and $480.
DDR4 memory has also become more expensive, reducing the savings available to customers maintaining older computers.
DDR5 Memory Prices Reach Several Hundred Dollars
The latest pricing data shows substantial differences between current retail listings and previously recorded minimum prices.
Some high capacity kits are particularly expensive, reflecting constrained availability and increased demand.
| DDR5 memory kit | Current lowest US price |
|---|---|
| 16GB DDR5-5200 | $261 |
| 32GB DDR5-5600 | $479 |
| 32GB DDR5-6000 | $447 |
| 48GB DDR5-6000 | $701 |
| 64GB DDR5-6000 | $989 |
| 96GB DDR5-6000 | $2,049 |
| 128GB DDR5-6400 | Out of stock |
The 96GB DDR5-6000 configuration previously reached a recorded minimum of $189, illustrating how dramatically some listings have increased.
However, prices vary between retailers, and temporary discounts may disappear quickly.
DDR4 RAM Also Experiences Significant Price Increases
DDR4 is generally more affordable than DDR5, but it has not escaped the shortage.
During October 2025, 32GB DDR4 kits commonly sold for approximately $60 to $90.
By January 2026, comparable configurations were already reaching $150 to $180.
The latest tracker lists 32GB DDR4-3200 memory at approximately $199, while 64GB DDR4-3200 kits cost around $469.
A 16GB DDR4-3200 kit is currently listed at $106.
These increases make upgrading older systems more expensive than in previous years.
Limited Stock Makes RAM Upgrades More Difficult
Memory availability remains inconsistent, particularly for premium DDR5 configurations.
Retailers have also started offering memory bundles alongside processors and motherboards, while standalone kits can carry substantial premiums.
For customers building new computers, checking motherboard compatibility and actual memory requirements remains important.
Buying more capacity than necessary could significantly increase total system costs.
Those upgrading existing DDR4 computers may find smaller capacity additions more economical than replacing an entire platform.
The figures reflect US retail listings and can change without notice as memory availability fluctuates.
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