In 2025, consumers are seeing a sharp spike in memory prices—notably DDR4 RAM for DIY NAS systems. While DDR5 is often hailed as the future, DDR4 remains the more pragmatic choice for DIY NAS builds. But what’s behind the rising prices, and why does DDR4 still deserve top billing in our Golden Builds, including the popular Cloudmaker Build?
Why DDR4 Prices Are Soaring
According to TrendForce, DDR4 memory kits for PCs and laptops are projected to become 38–43 % more expensive by the end of Q3 2025. In fact:
- 32 GB DDR4-3200 kits went from under €50 in May to typically over €60, with forecasts suggesting prices may exceed €80.1
- Spot-market data shows DDR4 chip prices per 8 Gb module nearly tripled, from about $1.75 in April to over $5.00 by late June.2
The reasons are clear:
- End-of-life (EOL) production cuts by major DDR4 manufacturers (Samsung, Micron, SK Hynix).
- A transition to newer memory types like DDR5, LPDDR5X, GDDR7, and HBM3/4.3
- Residual demand from enterprise, industrial, and DIY builders stocking up while supplies still exist.
Result: Even with DDR5 supply stable, DDR4 is now sometimes more expensive per GB than DDR5.
DDR4 vs DDR5 Memory for NAS: Why DDR4 Still Wins
Despite these price increases, the DDR4 vs DDR5 memory for NAS debate still leans heavily toward DDR4 for several reasons:
💰 Cost-Effectiveness
DDR4 still offers higher capacity for lower investment, especially important for NAS builders seeking 32–64 GB of RAM. Even if a module costs €80–90, it’s still more affordable than a comparable-capacity DDR5 setup once board and CPU upgrades are factored in.
🔌 Mature Platform Support
Most NAS-friendly platforms—like Intel’s 10th–13th Gen and AMD Ryzen 3000–5000—are optimized for DDR4. These systems are proven in always-on environments, whereas DDR5 ecosystems remain newer, more expensive, and less tested for long-term server stability.
✔️ Affordable Options on the Used Market
Despite rising retail prices, DDR4 remains widely available on the second-hand market at significantly lower prices. Enthusiasts upgrading to DDR5 or decommissioning older systems often sell perfectly good DDR4 modules—some even ECC-capable—at a fraction of new retail cost. This makes DDR4 an excellent choice for DIY NAS builders on a budget, offering both performance and savings without sacrificing reliability.
How the Rising Prices Strengthen DDR4’s Case
The insights from recent reports highlight a crucial dynamic: DDR4 price surges are a symptom of shrinking supply amid legacy-platform demand. But for savvy NAS builders, this isn’t a warning—it’s an opportunity.
- If you’re building a NAS today, now is the perfect time to pick up powerful and future-proof DDR4 modules before prices start climbing even higher.
- The CloudMaker Build, with its flexible and proven DDR4 platform, lets you capitalize on the availability of high-quality used or discounted modules—offering top-tier performance for a budget-friendly price.
Rather than a setback, the current landscape makes DDR4 an even smarter buy—especially for DIYers looking to balance price, performance, and long-term compatibility.
The DDR4 RAM CloudMaker Build: A Golden Standard
Our CloudMaker Build in 2025 continues to use DDR4 RAM for DIY NAS for these very reasons. Whether you’re building a low-power media server or a robust ZFS backup node, DDR4 offers:
- Affordable scalability (e.g., 32–64 GB setups)
- Stable driver support across Linux and BSD-based systems
- Proven reliability in 24/7 operation environments
Even with the recent price hikes, the DDR4-based CloudMaker Build delivers unmatched performance-per-dollar and upgrade flexibility compared to DDR5 alternatives.
Conclusion: DDR4 Is Still the Right Call
Yes, DDR4 RAM for DIY NAS builds is getting more expensive. But compared to the cost of upgrading to a DDR5-compatible platform, DDR4 still offers the best value—especially in terms of stability, compatibility, and power efficiency. In the context of DDR4 vs DDR5 memory for NAS, DDR4 remains the smarter choice for 2025.
That’s why in 2025 we we’ll continue to recommend DDR4 in all of our Golden Builds, including the highly-rated Clodmaker Build.
If you’re planning a NAS project, don’t wait too long—DDR4 isn’t going to get cheaper. But rest assured: it’s still the most dependable foundation for your next DIY storage solution. Always find the best suited components for your DIY NAS in our NAS Hardware Guide.
Hardware Components Guide
- https://www.heise.de/news/Schlecht-fuer-AMDs-Budget-Plattform-AM4-DDR4-RAM-soll-noch-viel-teurer-werden-10477136.html#:~:text=Die%20Preissteigerungen%20von%20DDR4%2DSpeicherkits,weniger%20als%2050%20Euro%20erh%C3%A4ltlich. ↩︎
- https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/ddr4/ddr4-prices-are-now-so-high-that-vendors-have-decided-to-start-making-it-again-manufacturers-want-a-slice-now-that-its-more-expensive-than-ddr5?utm_source=chatgpt.com ↩︎
- https://www.heise.de/en/news/Memory-DDR4-RAM-becomes-more-expensive-10459680.html
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