Analyst trackers and industry reports show a sharp rise in memory and storage costs going into Q4 2025. Conventional DRAM contract prices are expected to climb another 8 to 13 percent this quarter, and even higher if HBM is included.
NAND flash contract prices are also projected to move up about 5 to 10 percent in Q4 2025, with TLC wafers seeing some of the biggest week-to-week jumps on the spot side.
Several manufacturers have tightened quotations, shortened quote validity, and in some cases paused new quotes on select DRAM and NAND parts while they reset pricing.
At the same time, server and mobile memory demand tied to AI build-outs is pulling supply away from legacy parts like DDR4. Lead times for LPDDR5X are now being reported in the 26 to 39 week range.
Downstream brands are feeling it. Even smartphone makers note that soaring memory costs are pushing up device pricing.
Upstream, foundry wafer prices are also trending higher for advanced nodes, which pressures costs across many chips.
What it means for Canadian buyers
- Shorter quote windows. Expect quotes to expire faster than usual as suppliers update costs more frequently.
- Longer lead times. Popular DRAM types and certain NAND SKUs can have extended ETAs, especially where demand intersects with AI and data center builds.
- Higher replacement costs. If you delay a planned upgrade, the same SSD or RAM kit may cost more on your next PO. Industry trackers are already flagging Q4 increases for both DRAM and NAND.
What to prioritize now
If your team is planning Q4 upgrades or stocking spares, consider prioritizing these categories:
- Server DRAM (DDR4, DDR5) for virtualization, analytics, and AI-adjacent workloads. Prices on server DRAM have shown some of the steepest jumps.
- Enterprise and data center SSDs where NAND cost swings pass through quickly. Contract and spot commentary both point up.
- High-capacity client SSDs used in workstations and business laptops, since NAND increases often flow into retail and SMB channels with a lag.
Practical buying tips
- Place time-bound POs. Confirm availability and set a required ship date in writing to lock allocation during volatile weeks. Market reports note price updates are coming faster than usual.
- Approve substitutions. Pre-approve equivalent SKUs by capacity and interface so we can ship alternates if a primary part tightens. Industry notes point to shifting supply by generation and node.
- Forecast 60 to 90 days. If you know Q1 2026 needs, bringing them forward can reduce risk while Q4 pricing is still available. Multiple trackers expect continued firmness into late 2025.
- Separate “must have” from “nice to have.” Lock in mission-critical server memory and enterprise SSDs first, then fill client SSD and accessory gaps. Current reports show the sharpest pressure on server and AI-related components.
How MemoryShop.ca can help
- Business-only focus in Canada. We stock commercial-grade SSDs, DRAM, and memory cards for business end users.
- Fast express delivery across Canada. We ship quickly so you receive parts while quotes are valid.
- Professional sourcing. If your preferred SKU is constrained, we can propose vetted equivalents that meet your performance and endurance requirements.
Bottom line
Prices for DRAM and NAND are rising, and lead times are stretching. If you need to deploy or expand storage and memory, placing your order now can help you avoid the next price step and secure allocation.