Increase in DDR5 RAM prices in December 2025: shortage sets in

Before going deeper into why DDR5 is in short supply, let’s address the most practical question first: Which DDR5 RAM can you actually buy right now?

To answer that, a dedicated website has been launched: WhereIsMyRAM.

It aggregates all available DDR5 RAM kits, across major retailers, and shows them in one place with real-time availability and prices. No selective listings, no outdated stock indicators, and no guessing which kits are still purchasable.

In a market where availability changes daily and prices can double in a matter of weeks, having a clear overview matters more than ever. WhereIsMyRAM makes it possible to instantly spot what’s in stock, compare prices, and detect abnormal price jumps without spending hours jumping between stores.

If you’re currently looking for DDR5 during the shortage, this is the fastest way to get a clear picture of the market.

Since September, the memory market has been completely under pressure.

The major players in artificial intelligence (Microsoft, NVIDIA, Meta, Amazon...) absorbing a colossal share of the global production of DRAM , especially for their servers and AI GPUs.

👉 In plain language: standard DRAM production (including DDR5 for PC) is now in direct competition with HBM and server-grade production, which is much more profitable.

In addition to this:

• a limited production capacity (Micron and SK Hynix have announced stocks of less than 8 weeks),
• contractual DRAM prices up by +40 to +60% from the third quarter of 2025,
• and a domino effect on DDR4, whose chains are gradually reassigned to DDR5.

Result: a real shortage, not just a speculative effect - and prices are soaring.

DropReference data clearly shows a widespread increase between September and November 2025, sometimes exceeding +100% on certain kits .

Clearly the top of DDR5, it is the "sweet spot" for gaming and unfortunately one of the most impacted on the market:

• September 2025: ~140 €
• November 2025: ~265 €
• Evolution: +89% in two months.

A top-of-the-line model highly sought after, slightly faster.

• September 2025: ~150 €
• November 2025: ~250 €
• Evolution: +66%

The top of the range for gaming and creative setups.

• September 2025: ~190 €
• November 2025: ~390 €
• Evolution: +105 %

💡 It is noted that the tighter the timings (CL30) the more abrupt the rise, as these modules use binned (selected) chips in even more limited quantities.

Each manufacturer is affected differently, but the trend is the same: everything is increasing.

• Sept. 2025: ~160 €
• Nov. 2025: ~255 €
• Evolution: +59%

Stable but continuous increase, typical of a high-volume brand.

• Sept. 2025: ~145 €
• Nov. 2025: ~345 €
• Evolution: +138%

It is the most impacted brand : very high demand for high-end kits (CL30/32).

• Sept. 2025: ~140 €
• Nov. 2025: ~205 €
• Evolution: +46%

Smoother increase , logical for a consumer-oriented range.

• Sept. 2025: ~150 €
• Nov. 2025: ~215 €
• Evolution: +43%

More moderate progression, but same trend.

Even DDR4 kits - supposed to be "outdated" - see their price climb The reason: production is focusing on DDR5, so DDR4 is becoming... a rare product.

• Sept. 2025: ~70 €
• Nov. 2025: ~120 €
• Evolution: +71%

• Sept. 2025: ~85 €
• Nov. 2025: ~125 €
• Evolution: +47%

As of November 9, 2025, the trend is still upward: The cumulative increases reach up to +130% on high-end DDR5 kits and nothing indicates a quick return to normal.

Black Friday 2025 Few promotions on DDR5, or even none on popular kits. Discounts will mainly apply to DDR4 or slower references.

And 2026?

The analysts (TrendForce, DRAMeXchange) agree:

The tension on the DRAM could last until mid-2026, driven by AI demand and next-generation GPUs.

We clearly see a scenario similar to the post-COVID GPU crisis: soaring, shortage, then slow normalization.

Do you want to buy as cheaply as possible? Or even monitor price changes? You have everything you need on DropReference directly:

Why are DDR5 prices increasing?

Because of the massive demand for DRAM memory for AI and GPU servers, manufacturers have reduced the production of consumer-grade DDR5, creating a shortage.

When will DDR5 prices drop?

Probably not before the second half of 2026, when production catches up with AI demand.

Should we buy now?

Yes, if you build a PC in the coming months. Prices may rise even further by Christmas.

Will there be promotions on Black Friday?

Very little. Sellers do not sell a product under tension.