Samsung has reversed plans to phase out 1z-nm DDR4 DRAM by end-2025, opting to extend production until December 2026 and will notify clients soon.
Key drivers: Samsung lags behind SK Hynix and Micron in HBM, which contributes limited profits. Rivals’ HBM expansion has squeezed DDR4 capacity, causing supply shortages and surging prices—prompting Samsung to leverage existing capacity.
Additionally, Samsung’s fully depreciated 1z-nm DDR4 lines cut production costs, boosting profitability. Short-term DDR4 demand spiked due to reduced supply and U.S. tariff-driven stockpiling. By late July, PC-grade DDR4 8Gb fixed price rose 50% QoQ to $3.9 (with double-digit growth for three months), per DRAMeXchange. TrendForce data shows July’s DDR4 8GB module contract price at $26.5, exceeding DDR5’s $25.5.
Insiders note this may slow DDR4 price hikes (though sharp drops are unlikely) and reflects Samsung’s slower-than-expected HBM progress. Micron and SK Hynix have not halted their DDR4 phase-out plans.
ICgoodFind: Samsung’s move, driven by market dynamics and business strategy, will impact DDR4 prices and reshape memory market competition.
