- RAM prices in Germany are continuing to rise rapidly.
- DDR5 memory has increased by 27% month-over-month, now costing 4.4 times more than in July 2025.
- DDR4 and DDR3 RAM prices are also climbing, reflecting a broader global trend.
This week brings more bad news for RAM consumers, as prices in Germany indicate that the global cost of system memory is likely to keep rising, even from its already exorbitant levels.
According to VideoCardz, the German tech site 3D Center has updated its 'memory crisis price index', which tracks RAM pricing at German retailers, excluding third-party sellers and scalpers.
The January 2026 figures reveal that DDR5 RAM in Germany is now 4.4 times more expensive than it was in July 2025, based on an average of 20 different DDR5 products across various capacities and speeds.
On a slightly positive note, the increase in DDR5 prices has slowed compared to the previous month, with a 27% rise that pales in comparison to the staggering 93% hike from November to December.
For older RAM types, such as DDR4 and DDR3, prices are rising even faster, with January 2026 showing a 46% increase compared to the previous month’s 30% rise.
Compared to July 2025, DDR4 and DDR3 RAM kits are now 3.2 times more expensive, indicating that while they haven't reached DDR5 levels yet, their month-over-month increases are significant.
Analysis: A Global Headache That Isn't Going Away
With DDR5 prices skyrocketing, those considering an upgrade from DDR4 are witnessing similar price trends, prompting many to purchase before costs escalate further.
Additionally, new PC builders may opt for DDR4 or even DDR3 for basic tasks, although the latter is not recommended unless absolutely necessary due to its outdated technology.
This snapshot of the RAM market reflects the broader European tech landscape, with significant price spikes expected globally due to dwindling RAM chip supplies.
Moreover, 3D Center has noted another concerning trend: GPU prices have risen by 14% since September 2025. While this increase is minor compared to RAM, it still impacts consumers, especially for high-end graphics cards.
Storage solutions are also seeing significant price hikes, with SSDs up 79% and hard disks up 53% since July 2025. This makes building a new PC increasingly expensive due to rising costs for RAM, SSDs, and GPUs.
3D Center predicts that high prices are here to stay, with the possibility of further increases unless a significant market shift occurs.