Ramdas S, CRN, September 24, 2009, 1230 hrs
The prices of DDR2 memory modules are steadily climbing up as manufacturers globally reduce production and ramp up DDR3 memory output.
Understandably, there has been a dip in DDR3 prices, and analysts expect the prices of both DDR3 and DDR2 to be at par by end of the year.
“The prices of DDR2 have gone up by 55 percent since April,” said Ramesh H, Senior Manager, Ralco Synergy.
Prices of 2GB DDR2 memory modules have shot up from Rs 1,100 in April 2009, to Rs 1,700. While price of 2GB DDR3 1333MHz module has dropped by 100 percent since January 2009.
According to research agency iSupply, chip manufacturers have reported significant losses over the past 18 months and have steadily cut prices.
“Even now, manufacturers are barely breaking even on their production costs. Many analysts believe there could be further room for price increase,” said MA Mannan, Country Manager, Corsair Memory India.
The demand for DDR3 is likely to ramp up as Intel expects faster market transition to iCore7, which only supports DDR3. “We expect prices of all building blocks for iCore7 to drop further as users move to the new platform,” said Sandeep Aurora, Director Marketing, Intel India.
The transition from DDR2 to DDR3 is in progress and analysts expect the price of DDR2 to be at par with that of DDR3 by as early as December 2009. This would further ramp up DDR3 sales.
“Currently, DDR2 is mainstream, but by the end of Q1 2010 DDR3 will take over. The 2GB DDR2 module is expected to touch an MOP of $40 (approximately Rs 2,250),” by then said Mannan. |