DRAM spot prices were relatively stable in the last week of August. Compared to a week ago, prices showed a slight 1-2% decrease, according to latest data from inSpectrum.

Spot prices for branded 2Gb DDR3 chips came to US$0.86 Friday (August 31) compared to US$0.87 Monday. The chips were quoted at US$0.78 a week ago (August 24), inSpectrum disclosed.

Meanwhile, spot prices for white-brand 2Gb DDR3 chips arrived at US$0.77 on August 31, down from US$0.78 a week earlier, inSpectrum revealed.

Despite the declining prices, PC OEMs have been reluctant to increase their DRAM inventory, which is still high, Spectrum said. The price tracker indicated that due to a weak third quarter, DRAM prices are likely to continue their downward trend through the end of 2012.

But some consumers may delay their purchase while waiting for the launch of Windows 8, and therefore the situation in the fourth quarter is still unclear, inSpectrum said.

As for NAND flash, spot prices for 64Gb MLC flash stood at US$4.96 on August 31 compared to US$4.95 a week earlier while 64Gb TLC parts trended downward to US$3.61 from US$3.65 during the period, according to inSpectrum. Prices for 32Gb MLC and TLC flash chips stayed unchanged at US$2.87 and US$2.34, respectively, on August 31.

Production cut will result in a balance in supply and demand for NAND by the end of this year, inSpectrum noted.