DDR4价格倒挂调查：HBM芯片如何引爆“过时”内存涨价潮？

Core Viewpoint - The DDR4 memory, which was expected to fade from the mainstream market, has recently shown an unusual price trend in the storage chip spot market, with its price surpassing that of the newer DDR5 memory, leading to a rare "price inversion" phenomenon [2][3][5]. Supply and Demand Dynamics - The supply of DDR4 has been constrained as major manufacturers like Samsung and SK Hynix prioritize production for higher-margin products such as HBM (High Bandwidth Memory), resulting in a mismatch between supply and demand [3][5]. - Specific industries, such as industrial control and security, continue to exhibit a rigid demand for DDR4 due to product lifecycle and certification costs, despite its status as an older generation product [3][4][14]. Market Reactions - The announcement of DDR4's End-of-Life (EOL) by manufacturers has led to a rush in inventory buildup among downstream customers, causing a supply shortage [4][11]. - The price of DDR4 eTT chips has increased significantly, with reports indicating a price surge of nearly 50% in recent months, reflecting a chaotic market driven by panic buying and speculation [9][12]. Industry Transition - The semiconductor industry is undergoing a transition from DDR4 to DDR5, but this shift has been disrupted, leading to significant price increases for DDR4 products [9][19]. - The focus on HBM production by major manufacturers has resulted in a strategic withdrawal from lower-margin products like DDR4, creating a vacuum in the market that local manufacturers may exploit [19][20]. Future Outlook - The shift towards HBM and the strategic decisions of major players may provide opportunities for domestic manufacturers to fill the gap left by international giants, although challenges remain in terms of technology and production capabilities [20][21]. - The ongoing demand for DDR4 in niche markets, combined with the reluctance of enterprise clients to purchase at inflated prices, is pushing the market towards DDR5 adoption [14][15].