What's up with memory?

[U-96]

Probably less that a year ago we were seeing a global shortage of RAM, with 128MB DIMMs going for £150/$200.

Now I just picked up a 256MB CAS2 stick for £40/$60

What's going on? What underpins this crash in prices?

I'm guessing at oversupply due to the reduced growth in the mobile telecoms market?

Anyone have some better answers?

[oldhermit]

Lower than normal prices for RAM usually indicate its current popularity. When manufactured in large quantities, it is abundant, and thus the price drops.

Now however, we see a liquidation of large supplies due to the transition to DDR.

Just hope in two years you don't have to purchase JEDEC-SDRAM (standard SDRAM used by older AMD and P3 systems), because the supplies will likely all be gone, demand will be low, and the price will be rather exorbitant...

[daveleau]

Welcome to Sysopt, oldhermit!

I agree totally with your post. This is why EDO RAM is so expensive right now. The new types of RAM on the market are driving down the prices on SDRAM while supply is plentiful.

Dave

[U-96]

time to start hoarding the stuff then http://www.sysopt.com/forum/biggrin.gif

[DanU]

The aftermath of the dot-com meltdown helps a bunch. Computer equipment makers are seeing a serious downturn in business. With fewer orders, sellers have to lower prices to attract customers.

I just bought a generic PC133 256MB DIMM (high density) for $36.95 at ATACOM. Now THAT's an incredible steal.

[Jonty]

End of April I thought the prices had bottomed out so I bought 128mb PC133 for £46. If I'd waited I could've got 256mb for less than this!