Growing demand for AI and data centers is driving an increase in demand for key PC hardware components, with memory being one of them. Added to this is HBM’s increased production, which combined with continued demand for these components could push up prices for DRAM for PC from 3% to 8% on a quarterly basisaccording to market research firm Trend Force.
Although price increases are never welcome, forecasts indicate that these increases will be lower than those of previous quarterswhen the DRAM prices had risen by 10%-15% between January and March. It is estimated that many manufacturers and retailers still have a significant inventory of PC DRAM and consumer demand remains stable, thus reducing pressure on the consumer and retail markets.
There is a positive signal in spot DRAM prices, which continue to follow a downward trend since late May.
However, the situation of PC DRAM production is different. HBM supplies SK hynix e Micron they are already sold out until the end of next year. While this may not directly affect PC DRAM production lines, companies may decide to move part of the production to HBMthus reducing the output of memory modules to consumers.
In addition to system memory, the VRAM is influenced by the demand for HBM and server RAM, with an estimated price increase of between 3% and 8% on a quarterly basis according to TrendForce figures. The main driver of this increase is the imminent arrival of the next-generation GPUs RTX 50-seriesexpected in autumn 2024. These graphics processors will be equipped with GDDR7 VRAM.
Even the new ones GPU Battlemage Arc di Intelexpected before the Christmas holidays, should use the new VRAM technology. Since the GDDR7 is 20% to 30% more expensive than GDDR6, VRAM costs are expected to increase on average. This will be especially true as graphics card manufacturers and their partners start ordering more GDDR7 memory for their new products.
The mobile market will also be affected by modest RAM price increases. Although manufacturers seem intent on increasing prices for producers of smartphonemany buyers still have ample supply and are unlikely to enter into negotiations with RAM suppliers for now.
The price increases they are unwelcome, but are part of the inflationary phenomenon. As long as supply can meet demand, we shouldn’t see shocks that would drive up PC parts costs in the near term.
Article Source: www.tomshardware.com
