The AI ​​bubble has done more harm than good to the average user. Companies grabbed every RAM chip they could to power their data centers, leading to shortages that sent prices of everyday gadgets skyrocketing. Manufacturers are finally taking steps to address concerns, but just because components will become affordable again doesn’t mean they will soon.
At the ongoing Computex 2026 exhibition, outlets such as Tom’s Hardware learned that many hardware companies are upgrading their production lines to produce DDR4 memory and compatible motherboards. The move is a direct response to the growing demand for more affordable components. According to Tom’s Hardware, one unnamed motherboard maker said it would increase DDR4 production due to a “double-digit increase in sales over the last quarter,” while another cited a “collapse” in motherboard sales.
Even though companies are promising to produce DDR4 RAM again, don’t expect to see the chips on the store shelves at your local Micro Center anytime soon. Although these manufacturers have the capacity to manufacture DDR4 RAM, they upgraded these production lines to start producing other products a long time ago. Reallocating company resources to produce DDR4 will take some time; one company told Tom’s Hardware that it likely won’t be able to ramp up production until the second half of 2026. Don’t be surprised if stores can’t stock enough RAM until 2027 at the earliest.
Less of a solution, more of a way to avoid the inevitable
In the spirit of fairness, increasing DDR4 production is a smart move for many reasons. The latest generation of RAM is easier to produce and package than DDR5, allowing manufacturers to pass the savings on to customers. However, several issues stand between these plans and a future where more people can build a budget gaming PC for less than $1,000.
Arguably the biggest hurdle the resurrected DDR4 fab lines must overcome will be the supply of silicon wafers. Both DDR4 and DDR5 chips require these wafers, so if DDR5-dedicated companies continue to stock up on wafers to satisfy data center RAM needs, we’ll end up with lots of new DDR4-compatible motherboards, but not enough DDR4 chips to power them. Then there is the question of sustainability. Companies have moved from DDR4 to DDR5 because the latter is simply superior. DDR5 offers much more memory bandwidth; the chips require less electricity and are more energy efficient, and DDR5 can fit more GB in each module. Although DDR4 is cheaper, you need more chips to match the capabilities of a DDR5 chip. Even if you had money, would your computer have enough module slots?
According to Tom’s Hardware, virtually all of the outlet’s sources agree on one thing: Even with DDR4 manufacturing resuming, PC users will have to suffer through a DRAM and NAND drought until 2028 at the earliest. You should worry less about whether DDR4 RAM is still worth buying and more about whether you can get your hands on any RAM, DDR4 or otherwise.
