Historical memory prices 1960-2026
dam.stanford.edu
June 28, 2026
3 min read
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
53/100
Summary
Historic and current memory and storage prices are available in an interactive format, allowing users to download raw data. The dataset includes price per gigabyte over time for different memory types, including DRAM, NAND flash, and HBM, along with a breakdown of DRAM prices by generation.
Key Takeaways
- The historical and current prices of memory types such as DRAM, NAND flash, and HBM are tracked and presented in an interactive format.
- DRAM prices are broken down by generation, including SDRAM, DDR, DDR2, DDR3, DDR4, and DDR5, with data spanning from 1957 to 2024.
- HBM prices are provided by generation, with projections for HBM4 expected to launch in Q3 2026, based on industry-analyst estimates.
- The cheapest retail prices for DRAM and NAND are updated monthly, while HBM data is refreshed quarterly.
Community Sentiment
Positives
- The ongoing demand for AI applications is driving innovation in memory technology, suggesting a future where higher capacities become more accessible.
- Developers are likely to explore more efficient use of memory, which could lead to advancements in software optimization and performance.
- The potential for significant price drops in RAM due to market dynamics could make advanced computing more affordable for consumers.
Concerns
- The lack of inflation adjustment in historical pricing data misrepresents the actual cost trends, leading to misleading conclusions about memory affordability.
- Current memory prices are perceived as high relative to practical needs, indicating a disconnect between market prices and user requirements.
- Concerns about the volatility in memory pricing due to external factors like AI demand and cryptocurrency suggest instability in the market.