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DDR5 memory prices are falling, especially since early 2022, which bodes well for next-gen Intel Raptor Lake and AMD Ryzen 7000 CPU platforms.
With memory prices falling, it looks good that DDR5 will become the standard for next-gen AMD Ryzen 7000 CPU and Intel Raptor Lake desktop CPU platforms
Currently, the 16GB dual-channel DDR5 memory kits sell for around $120 to $130, which is well below the $500 to $1,000+ prices of a few months ago. Users should expect DDR5 to remain the new standard for enthusiasts, gamers, and power users for the second half of this year. Not only US consumers are reaping the benefits of the new pricing, reports of massive price declines are also coming to the European markets, as ComputerBase reports.
Not all DDR5 kits see this new price trend. Premium memory kits in the 6000Mbps and above range are still sold at high prices, pushing some consumers to opt for the cheaper options for now. Memory itself will play a crucial role in setting the base price for next-gen platforms, as the blue team (Intel) will have a massive advantage in supporting both DDR5 and DDR4 standards, while AMD will only offer DDR5 support becomes. The latter is a more future-proof route, but with DDR5 currently in its infancy, you might be paying a higher price for a kit that could be replaced by similarly priced but higher quality DRAM modules in a couple of months.
Price comparison DDR5 vs. DDR4 16 GB memory kit (photo credit: Computerbase):
Companies like Kingston, Crucial, and Patriot offer 16GB DDR5 kits with a base 4800Mbps for almost $110-$120. With these prices so affordable for everyone and memory kits stagnating in the 5200-5600MHz ranges, sales in the home improvement market are sure to increase. Currently approaching DDR5-5200 and a little over $250 for consumers. At the same time, 16GB DDR4-3200 (CL16) memory kits can be had for less than half the price at around $50-60.
Readers should note that G.Skill and its top-of-the-line Trident Z DDR5-6000 CL36 memory kits were selling for $4,000 in early January, while prices have now fallen to $800 five months later. Industry analysts have already predicted that DDR5 memory will reach price parity with DDR4 kits within 2 years of release.
With this new pricing for next-gen DDR5 kits, this will be great for consumers to get massive speeds and cutting-edge memory technology at the prices we’ve seen with DDR4 kits in recent years. Both AMD and Intel will benefit from the current price trend with the new AMD Zen 4-based Ryzen 7000 and Raptor Lake CPU lineups. AMD might even get a slight edge in overall DDR5 support, as reported here.
| Model: | speed | capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kingston FURY beast | DDR5-4800 CL38 | 16GB (2 x 8GB) | $115.44 – Amazon |
| Central | DDR5-4800 CL40 | 16GB (2 x 8GB) | $112.99 – Newegg |
| Patriotic Signature | DDR5-5600 CL40 | 16GB (2 x 8GB) | $124.99 – Newegg |
| Patriot Viper Venom | DDR5-5200 CL36 | 16GB (2 x 8GB) | $159.99 – Newegg |
| OLOy Blade RGB | DDR5-5600 CL36 | 16GB (2 x 8GB) | $189.99 – Newegg |
| Kingston FURY beast | DDR5-4800 CL38 | 32GB (2 x 16GB) | $189.99 – Amazon |
| CORSAIR Revenge | DDR5 6000 CL36 | 32GB (2 x 16GB) | $289.99 – Newegg |
| G. Skill Trident Z5 RGB | DDR5-6000 CL30 | 32GB (2 x 16GB) | $379.99 – Newegg |
It’s unknown if basic DDR5 kit prices will stay this low or if e-commerce markets will be bundling popular processors with incredibly affordable dual-channel DDR5 kits, especially as we get closer to the holiday season. For retailers, September is when companies will make multiple announcements. DDR5 memory is set to become the standard as early as the second quarter of the following year.
News Sources: Tom’s Hardware, ComputerBase,
