Micron plans to end DDR4 memory shipments despite strong demand

Micron is axing its DDR4 memory production, bringing an end to the DDR4 era

Micron has informed its customers (according to Digitimes) that its DDR4 memory will soon reach EOL (End-Of-Life) status, with production coming to an end. DDR4 memory production will gradually decline over the next six to nine months, and customers have been asked to transition their products to newer DDR5 or LPDDR5 memory types.

Micron, Samsung, and SK Hynix have all chosen to discontinue DDR4 memory production. All three are shifting their focus to newer memory types. This move is coming despite strong demand for DDR4 memory. This means that DDR4 memory pricing could increase as DDR4 production declines. In fact, some analysts expect DDR4 pricing to become higher than DDR5 pricing in some instances.

The abandonment of DDR4 memory from the world’s largest memory suppliers comes due to competitive pressures from Chinese manufacturers. These manufacturers have been flooding the market with low-cost modules. While these manufacturers have delivered aggressive pricing, these modules do not match the quality of established brands and aren’t available at the same manufacturing volumes. Long-term support is also a concern for these modules.

DDR4 memory customers have been told to transition to newer DDR5 or LPDDR5 memory modules. These modules offer users increased bandwidth and enhanced power efficiency. However, moving a product from DDR4 to DDR5 isn’t a simple process, which means that there will be demand for DDR4 memory for some time to come. This may lead to increased DDR4 memory prices, as new DDR4 memory modules will become increasingly hard to find. This will give DDR5 increasingly attractive pricing and performance characteristics.

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Mark Campbell

Mark Campbell

A Northern Irish father, husband, and techie that works to turn tea and coffee into articles when he isn’t painting his extensive minis collection or using things to make other things.

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