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| G.Skill Trident Z Neo Series DDR4 RAM installed in motherboard |
If you’ve priced out memory for a new PC build lately, you’ve felt the sting. With DDR5 RAM prices stubbornly inflated, a growing number of buyers are turning backwards, seeking relief in the previous generation. While DDR4 memory is also more expensive than it was, its relative value has sparked a renewed demand. In a strategic pivot, Samsung has decided to continue manufacturing DDR4 RAM well into 2026, according to a new industry report. Sadly for consumers, this move isn’t the market fix many were hoping for.
The Profit-Driven Pivot: Why Samsung Isn't Letting DDR4 Go
The shift was first reported by the Taiwanese industry publication DigiTimes, which covers the semiconductor and electronics supply chain in detail. According to their sources, sales for the older DDR4 components remain surprisingly strong. In response, Samsung has adjusted its long-term roadmap to maximize profits in a shifting market.
However, there's a catch that will disappoint individual PC builders: like the specialized DDR5 chips in high demand for AI, Samsung’s focus for this extended DDR4 production is squarely on enterprise customers and servers, not the retail shelf. The company has reportedly already secured a Non-Cancellable, Non-Returnable (NCNR) contract with a major buyer.
Read the original DigiTimes report (subscription may be required) for deeper industry context.
This type of deal locks in a steady supply of DDR4 at a set price for the client, while insulating Samsung from market volatility. It also alleviates internal concerns that a potential future drop in demand from AI data centers could leave them with excess inventory. Crucially, the report indicates Samsung does not intend to significantly ramp up overall production to address the broader memory shortage.
A Industry-Wide Trend with Stubbornly High Prices
Samsung isn't alone. Another memory giant, SK Hynix, is also maintaining its DDR4 production lines. This collective move by the top manufacturers confirms that DDR4 will remain a key part of the global memory supply for years to come.
Yet, desperate buyers shouldn’t expect a sudden price crash. The combination of constrained supply and sustained demand from both enterprise and cost-conscious consumers means prices are likely to remain at elevated levels. In this environment, building or buying a gaming PC with a slightly older, DDR4-based configuration is no longer seen as a major compromise, but a smart, value-oriented choice.
How the DDR4 Resurgence is Reshaping PC Builds
There’s a significant silver lining for those considering the DDR4 path. Modern platforms still offer excellent compatibility. Intel’s 12th, 13th, and 14th generation Core CPUs work with motherboards that support DDR4, allowing builders to save money on memory without sacrificing processor power.
The market is adapting creatively. While some gamers are scouring second-hand sites for used DDR4 kits and compatible motherboards, companies are also launching new products to bridge the gap. For example, ASRock recently unveiled its H610M Combo micro-ATX motherboard, a unique board that can accept either DDR4 or DDR5 RAM, offering unprecedented flexibility in an uncertain market.
This pragmatism extends to other components as well, as builders look for value wherever they can find it. For instance, discussions around balanced builds often include finding the best-performing GPU within a budget, a challenge compounded by current memory costs.
https://t.co/NCaaRs5wOA
— GameGPU (@GameGPU_com) December 24, 2025
Samsung delays DDR4 shutdown amid price surge! 📈💾
Strategy update:
🔹 Production: Old lines remain active to capture profit.
🔹 Contracts: Clients signing NCNR deals (fixed price/volume, no returns).
🔹 Safety Net: Protects Samsung from future… pic.twitter.com/vFX4XtJodq
"Don't Panic Buy": A Voice of Caution from the Industry
Not everyone in the industry views the current shortage as a long-term crisis. Edward Crisler, PR manager for Sapphire, recently urged gamers to avoid panic-buying memory. During an appearance on The Hardware Unboxed Podcast, he predicted that the market could see prices begin to level off within the next six months.
Crisler also praised the resourcefulness of the PC gaming community, noting that enthusiasts have historically weathered similar component crises by optimizing and stretching the life of their existing hardware. His advice serves as a reminder that the market is cyclical, and patience can often be rewarding.
The Bottom Line for PC Builders
The message from the memory market is clear: DDR4 is here to stay, but it’s not coming to the rescue as a cheap alternative. Samsung’s production extension secures the supply chain for its big-ticket clients, not the average consumer. For now, builders are faced with a choice: pay a premium for the latest DDR5 performance, or opt for a mature, still-capable DDR4 platform at a lower—but still historically high—cost. In either case, careful planning and a watchful eye on the market remain a builder's best tools.