Should I buy DDR3 RAM now for laptop?

[Schadenfreude]

So with DDR4 RAM coming out next year, I'm hearing bits and pieces of how DDR3 RAM will soar in price due to limited availablility (once DDR4 comes out).

I was planning on updating my baseline XPS 15 L502 (i5-2410, GT525M) w/ an SSD (128 gigs +) and more RAM (from 4Gigs to 8Gigs): and from how much of a PITA it is to install items on the XPS I was planning on getting both and updating all in one fell swoop.

I know SSD prices are dropping and will continue to do so, but should I get the RAM now, before the prices rise?

And yes, I want it because I ran into RAM shortages when using graphic design programs.

 

[mfenn]

I don't think that you're going to see prices drop much lower on DDR3. It's pretty much at rock bottom right now. Even if it does drop, there is maybe $5 per 8GB left to give.

 

[LOL_Wut_Axel]

If prices fall, it's going to be very little. DDR4 will not be in mass production until at least 2013, and when it's launched it'll probably cost more being a recently-introduced technology. DDR3 prices will soar in around 2014.

Get the extra RAM now. It's very cheap as it is, and it's not gonna get much cheaper. DDR4 isn't gonna be relevant until 2013 at the minimum, so don't worry about it.

 

[greenhawk]

From what I have read, RAM prices (DDR3 I take it) are ment to keep falling to about mid next year due to over supply (wholesale chips). Actual cost to the end consumer though is not likly to be a massive % vs the current prices.

Add to that AMD's new chip still using DDR3 and intel's using DDR3, I do not see a fast takeoff of DDR4. Mass production/need of DDR4 will be 2013 at best guess.

As another poster said, 2014 will be about when DDR3 prices will start to go silly/up.

But then, as you ment you are finding yourself running out of ram now, then now is the best time to buy (ie: you have a need).

As to the SSD at the same time, personal choice. Adding RAM does not need a re-install of the OS or anything complex, even for a laptop.

 

[Schadenfreude]

From what I have read, RAM prices (DDR3 I take it) are ment to keep falling to about mid next year due to over supply (wholesale chips). Actual cost to the end consumer though is not likly to be a massive % vs the current prices.

Add to that AMD's new chip still using DDR3 and intel's using DDR3, I do not see a fast takeoff of DDR4. Mass production/need of DDR4 will be 2013 at best guess.

As another poster said, 2014 will be about when DDR3 prices will start to go silly/up.

But then, as you ment you are finding yourself running out of ram now, then now is the best time to buy (ie: you have a need).

As to the SSD at the same time, personal choice. Adding RAM does not need a re-install of the OS or anything complex, even for a laptop.

Rightright; it's just that this particular model of laptop requires me to remove the keyboard through the battery compartment, and from all accounts as it's held in place by plastic tabs it's not a particularly good idea to pull it out and in multiple times.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Now is as good a time as any to upgrade RAM, especially if it's DDR3. I saw some 8GB kits of DDR3-1333 (or maybe 1066) in the last two months, that were as low as $18 AR, I think. Or at least $28 no rebate maybe. All I know is that I saw it, thought it was a great price, and wanted to order it, but I had no money to spare at the time.

I sold that laptop, so it would have been pointless to purchase, I guess, after all.

 

[Spikesoldier]

buy now. the inflating dollar will outpace whatever drops in prices might come along.