PC vendors including Dell, Asustek Computer and Sony have come knocking on Taiwan's door, looking to secure sufficient supply of DRAM in order to beat an anticipated shortage of the memory chip, according to industry sources. They are seeking three-month contracts for DRAM supply from Taiwan-based producers, which focus more on the spot market, the sources indicated.

The sources estimated that each of the PC vendors is seeking a supply of DDR2 and DDR3 totaling 20-30 million chips, and their suppliers will see their capacities fully loaded through the end of June.

However, the sources have expressed concerns over the possibility of double ordering by these PC vendors, who usually will source from both memory module makers and DRAM suppliers at the same time when there is tight supply.

Previous reports cited industry sources saying PC OEMs have stepped up placing orders with Samsung Electronics and other first-tier DRAM producers after the Lunar New Year holiday.

Average spot prices for branded and effectively tested (eTT) 1Gb DDR2 memory edged up 0.23% and 0.39%, respectively, in one day to close at US$2.57 and US$2.52 on March 15. Meanwhile, prices for eTT 1Gb DDR3 chips rose 0.58% to average US$2.77, while those for branded DDR3 ones up by 0.48% to US$2.90.