Briefly
Sapphire said in the Hardware Unboxed podcast that the current rise in DDR5 prices is partly a result of market uncertainty rather than a strict shortage. The company's PR manager gives a more optimistic timing: price stabilization could occur within 6–8 months if manufacturers adjust their policies.
"The price increases are mostly related to market uncertainty, not a real shortage of components"
— Edward Krisler, PR manager of Sapphire (podcast Hardware Unboxed)
Why opinions diverge
Analysts at TrendForce and several other research firms predict high prices will remain at least until the end of 2026. Their argument: the main memory manufacturers — Samsung and SK Hynix — are concentrating capacity on more profitable modules for AI and data centers, so a mass expansion of DDR5 production is postponed.
Thus, the contrast looks like this: Sapphire points to market behavior and expects a correction in a relatively short timeframe; independent research sees structural factors that delay price decreases.
What this means for Ukrainians
For the average user and for businesses — pricier memory delays upgrades and slows sales of other components (motherboards, graphics cards). For the Ukrainian IT community and the defense technology industry this is also important: accessible electronics speed up the development, testing, and deployment of systems on which both the economy and security depend.
Practical advice
Sapphire's experts advise avoiding rushed purchases and waiting for clearer market signals. An alternative strategy is to buy critically needed components now and postpone upgrades that can be delayed without loss of performance. This aligns with typical market behavior during cyclical price spikes.
Conclusion
Different sources point to different time horizons: a quick price correction is possible if market uncertainty subsides; prolonged price increases are also possible if manufacturers redirect capacity toward AI memory. For Ukraine the key is to monitor supplier signals and form a procurement strategy that minimizes risks for businesses and defense projects. The question remains open: can the market find a balance before demand for specialized memory for data centers shifts?
