Contract prices for 2GB DDR3 modules averaged US$31.50 for the first half of October 2010, while same-density DDR2 parts were also quoted at US$31.50 on average. The former showed a 7-9% decline, larger than the latter's 5-6% drop.
Early October prices for 2GB DDR3 modules in the high range slid to US$33 from US$35 previously, mainly because of new prices offered by Korea-based suppliers. Meanwhile, those in the low range fell by 9.1% to US$30 driven mostly by lower quotes given by Japan- and Taiwan-based makers.
Spot prices for branded and effectively tested (eTT) 1Gb DDR3 averaged US$1.96 and US$1.72, respectively, during the afternoon trading session today (October 15), continuing their slide due to weak market demand. The price tracker expects the prices to soften in the longer-term, impacted by contract price drops.
In contrast, the price of eTT 1Gb DDR2 chips has recently grown to US$1.86 from US$1.78, as supply saw some replenishment in the spot market after the 7-day holiday for China's National Day.
With the coming of the slow season and chip suppliers' output growth, Expects later October contract prices for 2GB DDR3 modules to fall below US$30. The price of 1Gb DDR3 chips is likely to also drop below US$1.50 later in the fourth quarter, the price tracker said.
Prices for 1Gb chips will likely reach bottom at the end of first-quarter 2011, or beginning of second-quarter 2011.