We are getting closer to the arrival of DDR5 RAM, and according to MSI’s blog, the price of the new memory modules will probably be even higher than expected. MSI stated that new RAM types were 30-40% more expensive than the previous generation in the past. However, the company expects that the price difference for DDR5 memory will be 50-60% compared to DDR4 RAM.
This is mainly because the new DDR5 memory includes additional components that drive up production costs, such as the voltage conversion system, which was previously located on the motherboard. Also, the company doesn’t know how long these prices will be in place until we see a favorable change.
Typically, it takes about 2 years for prices to catch up with previous generations, and we expect this trend to continue with DDR5 modules.
Currently, no manufacturer has provided pricing information for their DDR5 RAM modules. We may have to wait for Intel’s Alder Lake unveiling next week to get such information.
In terms of performance, the DDR5 memory modules announced so far offer impressive operating frequencies, although it should also be noted that many of them have quite high latency.
Another important factor is that despite the global silicon shortage, DDR4 modules are more affordable than ever and kits with high speeds and low latency are available, making them a tempting proposition considering that Alder Lake will also support DDR4. For DDR5 to become the new standard, it will require a big improvement over its predecessor, especially if it comes with a significant price increase.