DDR2 Memory Prices Surge Amid Capacity Shifts

DDR2 contract prices rose up to 60% in Q2 2026, with TrendForce projecting another 40% increase in Q3 as major manufacturers shift focus.

DDR2 contract prices surged 55% to 60% in the second quarter of 2026, following a March spike where DDR2 and DDR3 costs rose up to 40% in one month. TrendForce projects an additional 35% to 40% increase for the third quarter of 2026. This volatility stems from major suppliers Samsung, SK hynix, and Micron shifting wafer capacity toward HBM and server DRAM. Taiwanese supplier Nanya and competitor Winbond are also adjusting, with Winbond reducing DDR2 output to prioritize DDR3, DDR4, and LPDDR4. Conversely, ESMT is expanding DDR2 production by concentrating wafer allocation at foundry partner PSMC. Despite the 2003-era technology's age, supply remains tight as DDR4 prices have surpassed DDR5. With no meaningful new DRAM capacity expected until late 2027 at the earliest, the market for legacy memory standards continues to face significant upward price pressure.