TrendForce says DDR2 supply is tightening as buyers downgrade from DDR3
DDR2 memory is still being sold through contract pricing in 2026, and those contracts are getting more expensive.
According to TrendForce, shortages in consumer DRAM have now extended to DDR2 products. The research firm expects DDR2 contract prices to rise by around 55% to 60% in Q2 2026, followed by another 35% to 40% increase in Q3 2026.
The situation is caused by a wider shortage of mature-node DRAM. Major DRAM suppliers are prioritizing advanced-node production for HBM and server memory, where AI infrastructure demand remains stronger. This has reduced wafer allocation for DDR4 and other mature products.
Following strong gains in 1Q26, TrendForce estimates DDR2 contract prices will rise by approximately 55-60% in 2Q26, followed by a further 35-40% increase in 3Q26.
— TrendForce
TrendForce says some OEMs and ODMs are now lowering memory specifications to control system costs and secure supply. In some cases, DDR4 designs are reportedly being moved to DDR3, while some DDR3-based products are being redesigned for DDR2.
Source: TrendForce
Winbond and ESMT are named as key DDR2 suppliers. Winbond is gradually reducing DDR2 production and moving capacity toward DDR3, DDR4 and LPDDR4 products. ESMT is taking the opposite route and plans to maximize DDR2 output through its existing wafer allocation at PSMC.
This does not mean DDR2 is returning to gaming PCs. The demand is tied to legacy, embedded and cost-sensitive products that still rely on older DRAM generations. Still, the fact that DDR2 contract prices are rising in 2026 shows how far the current DRAM shortage has spread.
Source: TrendForce , TechPowerUP
