Contract quotes for DRAM chips may continue to drop in July and August as Samsung Electronics, buoyed by an improvement in yields of its 46nm process, is reportedly offering 2GB DDR3 modules to a number of PC players at US$40 compared to US$45 quoted averagely for the second half of June, according to industry sources.
The sources indicated that Samsung has significantly improved yield rates for its 46nm DRAM process, and continues to enjoy a cost advantage over competitors. The Korean chip vendor recently offered preferential price packages to several PC vendors, the sources said, raising concerns that overall prices may fall in July and August.
Contract quotes for 2GB DDR3 modules declined by up to 2.22% to average US$45 in the second half of June. Meanwhile, prices for same-density DDR2 parts also slid by up to 1.3% to US$41 on average.
Commented that late June contract prices for mainstream DDR3 modules remained in the range of US$45-47. However, some DRAM makers were under pressure to adjust their quotes due to stockpiles among PC OEMs amid weakening demand. The suppliers have lowered their contract quotes to US$44-46 from US$46-48 previously, the tracker indicated.
In addition, industry sources have cited rumors that some DRAM makers recently dumped a portion of their chips that did not meet certain test criteria in the spot market as a result of process transitions. A sudden rise in supply has affected the spot pricing.
Spot market prices for branded 1Gb DDR3 chips were down 1.5% to close at US$2.50 on average on June 30, while effectively tested (eTT) DDR3 remained flat at US$2.46.