Have memory prices bottomed out or should I wait a bit longer?

[TheDarkKnight]

I want to buy some memory chips right now. They are pretty good...pretty low...but not setting any historically low records. So they could go lower. I know they could also go higher as well. Should I buy now or wait for them to go lower? What are your thoughts?

Thanks for the input.

Edit: I am looking at DDR3/DDR4 desktop chips but I may go for an Intel NUC also so, lets look at SO-DIMMs as well.

 

[larryccf]

how much lower do you want them to go? the same DDR3 i paid $156 for 9 months ago is now $85

 

[TheDarkKnight]

how much lower do you want them to go? the same DDR3 i paid $156 for 9 months ago is now $85

They are higher than they were 3 holidays ago...still...they have you in the palm of their hands it seems. What's that saying..."He who cannot remember the past is condemned to repeat it?" LoL.

 

[WhipperSnapper]

It seems like Newegg has been putting 2 x 8 GB sets on sale lately. I kind of wonder if they're clearing out DDR3 and whether DDR3 prices will start increasing once the bulk of inventory has been sold.

 

[larryccf]

yeah, that's a strong possibility, but i suspect DDR3 is "yesterday's news" and DDR4 is the flavor du jour. Still, a drop of nearly 50% of their peak price is kind of a signal that this isn't a bad time to buy

 

[Zodiark1593]

Been meaning to pick up another 2x4 GB kit to hit 16 GB in my system here, though I have other things higher on my list.

 

[Seba]

I'll buy now.

Based on price history, while the prices could still go slightly lower, they could also get much higher.

 

[Charlie98]

I'll buy now.

I agree. OP, either you need it now, or you don't. As far as trying to figure out if RAM prices will drop or pop $2 a set... well, I left my crystal ball at home. Prices right now are lower than they have been in a long while (right around 2011 levels, if memory serves...) so I don't think they are going to get much lower.

As far as DDR3, I expect manufacturers (and retailers, by default) to pare back production and model variations as the need lessens and demand for DDR4 increases. I figure the retailers to start discounting some of the odd stuff to clear it out... but that's a 'right place at the right time' proposition.

 

[TheDarkKnight]

I agree. OP, either you need it now, or you don't. As far as trying to figure out if RAM prices will drop or pop $2 a set... well, I left my crystal ball at home. Prices right now are lower than they have been in a long while (right around 2011 levels, if memory serves...) so I don't think they are going to get much lower.

As far as DDR3, I expect manufacturers (and retailers, by default) to pare back production and model variations as the need lessens and demand for DDR4 increases. I figure the retailers to start discounting some of the odd stuff to clear it out... but that's a 'right place at the right time' proposition.

Yes, but "right around" and "lower than" are different things. I bought a 16GB(2x8GB) DDR3 memory kit in the past for dirt cheap. I will never forget the price I paid. They are not as low as they have been. It's the old "boost" and "drop" machine in motion to make people think it's a good deal.

 

[Charlie98]

Yes, but "right around" and "lower than" are different things. I bought a 16GB(2x8GB) DDR3 memory kit in the past for dirt cheap. I will never forget the price I paid. They are not as low as they have been. It's the old "boost" and "drop" machine in motion to make people think it's a good deal.

As I said, either you need it or you don't. Memory isn't something you stock up on for a rainy day. Only you can decide if the price asked for a set of RAM is worth it to you, no matter what you may have paid for a set of RAM in the past.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Memory isn't something you stock up on for a rainy day.

Some of us did just that, back when it was $30 per 8GB kit. Only JUST recently, has it dropped that low again. It MAY go lower, who knows. But right now is a good, cheap, time to buy DDR3.

 

[Blain]

You're not trying to time the gold market.
If you need memory, then buy memory.

 

[Essence_of_War]

Some of us did just that, back when it was $30 per 8GB kit. Only JUST recently, has it dropped that low again. It MAY go lower, who knows. But right now is a good, cheap, time to buy DDR3.

Why would you brag about buying commodity hardware you didn't plan on using?

Memory doesn't appreciate in value, and it's effectively traded on a commodity market. "Saving" it for a rainy day doesn't really make any sense.

 

[aaksheytalwar]

Currently, you can buy:

1. 32GB DDR3 2400 CAS11 for under $170

2. 32GB DDR4 3200 CAS15/16 for under $250

1. Will last you the lifetime of any DDR3 processor/system.

2. Will last you at least 2-3 years for enthusiast usage or 3-5 years for regular gaming usage.

I don't understand why would you wait for RAM to become cheaper.