DDR5 memory faces production problems in the wake of global chip shortages

A few weeks ago Intel’s new CPUs, the 12th generation Alder Lake, came out, and with them came the new DDR5 memories. And from what we could see, the new memories came with very high prices, a memory kit has the value of an i7 CPU and sometimes even an i9 and even more depending on the model and brand.

The other reality is that semiconductor manufacturers around the world are facing component and logistics shortages. In addition, DDR5 memories are not manufactured in state-of-the-art nodes, but in the oldest and most mature 14 nm. And from what we know manufacturers have no problem maximizing DRAM manufacturing on these older nodes to meet demand.

DDR5 is being directly affected by logistics problems

However, DDR5 is being directly affected by the current logistical problems due to the lack of integrated circuit chips for power management, which DDR5 memory has integrated into the DIMM. Order lead times for this circuit are currently estimated at 35 weeks, putting additional pressure on DRAM manufacturers and assemblers, and creating delays and bottlenecks throughout the supply chain.

Another problem is that this circuit of chips for DDR5 memories cost ten times more expensive than DDR4 power management solutions, we are not expecting anything good in DDR memory prices.

If this situation continues, higher prices are expected for DDR5 modules due to a supply / demand relationship that does not advance and deteriorates. Clearly it will not be a good time to build a PC with Alder Lake and DDR5, and we may have to build with motherboards that support DDr4 memory.