You May Have to Settle for DDR4 RAM for Your Next PC Build. Here's Why
If you scroll through my recent posts, you'll see that I discussed the global shortage of DDR5 RAM affecting the PC enthusiast community. Due to the global crisis, you may need to settle for DDR4 RAM for your next PC build. Below is a structured breakdown of the precautions you need to take to secure your DDR4 RAM, along with what to expect in the coming months.
DDR5 Supply Shortage is Getting Worse
Manufacturers such as Micron, Samsung, and SK Hynix have shifted their entire production toward HBM and server-grade DRAM, which are now more profitable than the consumer-branded DDR5 memory. Don't get me wrong, DDR5 is still the future of computing. For now, hyperscalers and AI data centers are prioritized, leaving the retail market with limited stock and higher prices.
DDR4 is quickly becoming scarce
Manufacturers are reducing the DDR4 supply chain to free up capacity for HBM and DDR5. That said, DDR4 RAM should remain a strong choice for budget PC builders, office systems, and millions of existing platforms, even as supply chain constraints tighten. Structural shortages will most certainly affect DDR4 prices in 2026.
Inflated Prices Across the Board
According to Acer's analysis, DDR4, DDR5, LPDDR5, and server memory have also experienced sharp price increases in late 2025. As of now, retail prices show no sign of stabilizing as long as AI demand continues to rise. Even budget options aren’t safe from the price hike.
There are now limited motherboard choices.
Because DDR5 is expensive and DDR4 is becoming scarce, motherboard options are limited, especially for budget PC builds. However, many budget and mid-range motherboards still support DDR4. Budget-conscious builders may be forced to choose DDR4-compatible motherboards if DDR5 kits are priced higher or unavailable.
Yet DDR4 is Still Good Enough for Most Users
Despite the shortage, DDR4 remains fast enough for gaming, is still cheaper than DDR5, is widely compatible with older CPUs, and is stable and mature. For many builders, the performance difference doesn’t justify the premium price of DDR5 RAM—especially during a shortage.
The Bottom Line
The global memory shortage is driven by the AI boom, HBM production, and strategic capacity shifts, resulting in higher DDR5 RAM prices and scarcity. As DDR4 RAM becomes legacy hardware with a shrinking supply chain, for many builders, settling for DDR4 is the most realistic option until the market stabilizes.
