Kingston Technology has raised its prices for DDR2 modules by a range of 7-10% recently pushing Taiwan-based module makers to also follow suit, according to industry sources. Kingston's pricing for DDR2 modules has also helped boost prices for DDR3 parts, the sources indicated.
As chip suppliers continue to convert production capacity to DDR3, limited supply of DDR2 is available for module houses preparing for China's National Day holiday beginning October 1, the sources pointed out. DDR2 modules, which remain popular in older-generation PCs, therefore have been quoted higher for the third quarter.
As for DDR3 modules, prices for the chip would have no room for further reduction in the third quarter, the sources believe. Most distributors have seen their stockpiles run low, and begun to stock inventory for China's week-long holiday in October, the sources said.
Prices for branded 1Gb DDR3 chips topped US$3 on average at the end of the first quarter, but slid to US$2.48 in the morning trading session today (August 13).