DDR4 and DDR5 MemoryPrice hikes and shortages show no signs of abating at this point, so today’s DIY enthusiasts must spend significantly more than in the past to build the computer they want. Perhaps because the high prices are deterring buyers, a very peculiar phenomenon has recently emerged in China involving DDR3—which has been on the market for decades— Motherboard…has suddenly become a huge hit recently, with sales growing exponentially.
Image source: VideoCardz
Is DDR4/5 memory too expensive? DDR3 motherboards are suddenly flying off the shelves in China’s DIY market
According to a report by VideoCardz, China’s BoBantang recently published a news article stating that sales of DDR3 motherboards are currently growing rapidly—at a rate of two to three times, or even higher. Although the report did not specify the reason, it is clear that the sharp price increases for DDR4 and DDR5 memory have made them too expensive for many DIY users, prompting them to switch to DDR3 instead.
Of course, selling DDR3 motherboards isn’t just about selling the motherboards themselves; after all, many people don’t currently own compatible processors, so these are typically sold as bundles paired with Intel 6th through 9th generation processors.
關鍵趨勢：DDR3 主機板銷量正在快速倍增
……有一個值得關注的重要趨勢是：DDR3 主機板的銷量正在迅速成長。這可能是低價組裝需求回溫所帶動的結果。搭配第 6 代至第 9 代處理器的 DDR3 主機板組合包銷售狀況良好。根據近期來自中國國內主機板品牌的資訊，DDR3 主機板的出貨量正在快速上升，呈現出約 2 到 3 倍，甚至更高的成長趨勢。
—— Board Channels（翻譯）
Photo by William Warby on Unsplash
Although DDR3 memory is relatively easy to find and inexpensive, the performance of DDR3 computers is actually a bit slow by today’s standards. Since most DIY enthusiasts are looking to squeeze out every bit of performance, it’s a bit puzzling that they’d turn to computers from decades ago just to save money. Perhaps this is also related to deflation in mainland China, which has led to people having smaller budgets for PCs these days.
One thing is certain: the prices at which used computers are currently selling are indeed significantly higher than in previous years. In addition to mainland China, there have also been reports that business at used computer stores in Akihabara, Japan, has been booming; with little inventory left to sell, one such store even posted an announcement on social media,We’re asking users who are planning to upgrade to a new computer to sell their old, unused computers to us.：
Image source: Sofmap Gaming
So, if you have an unused secondhand computer at home and are thinking of getting rid of it, why not try selling it now or take it to a secondhand store for an appraisal? You might just get a good price for it.
As for the memory chip shortage and price hikes, when will the situation ease? Based on statements from industry analysts and senior executives at memory chip manufacturers, as well as the general consensus among media outlets, it is widely believed that the earliest this could happen is 2027. This also means that the situation may worsen in the first half of this year, with a potential easing only in the second half.
If DIY enthusiasts want to save money, this year is clearly not a good time to build a new computer or upgrade to a new one.
Source: KOCPC Chinese