DDR5 Memory Prices Are Climbing Fast
If you have been thinking about upgrading your gaming PC or building a new rig, you have probably noticed one worrying trend. DDR5 memory prices are going up quickly. Standard binary memory kits the usual 8, 16, 32, 64 gigabyte options are starting to sell out or jump in price at many retailers.
This shift is happening because of rising demand for modern components, limited production capacity and the general push toward newer platforms from Intel and AMD that rely heavily on DDR5. As more gamers and creators move to these platforms, the pressure on DDR5 supply increases and the more common binary capacities are hit first.
The result is simple. If you wait too long, you might find that the normal memory kits you were planning to buy are either out of stock or much more expensive than they were just a few weeks ago.
What Is Non Binary DDR5 Memory
Non binary memory sounds complicated but the idea is pretty straightforward. Traditional desktop memory capacities most of us know are based on powers of two. For example:
- 8 gigabyte
- 16 gigabyte
- 32 gigabyte
- 64 gigabyte
These are called binary capacities because they follow the classic doubling pattern that fits neatly with how memory chips are usually organized.
Non binary DDR5 breaks out of that pattern. Instead of only offering capacities that are clean powers of two, manufacturers create modules with intermediate sizes. You will see kits like:
- 12 gigabyte per stick
- 24 gigabyte per stick
- 48 gigabyte per stick
That means you can get total system capacities like 24, 36, 48 or 96 gigabytes using combinations of these sticks. The key point is that these sizes do not fit the old power of two rule but still work perfectly fine in modern systems.
Why does this matter for you as a gamer or PC user The answer comes down to supply and flexibility. Non binary kits often use slightly different chip layouts or densities, so they may not be under the same stock pressure as the classic 16 and 32 gigabyte modules. When everyone is chasing the same few capacities, the odd sized options can become a smart way to get plenty of memory without paying the highest premium.
Why Non Binary DDR5 Might Be Your Best Bet
With binary DDR5 kits drying up and prices rising, non binary memory is starting to look like a very practical option. Here are the main reasons it might be worth grabbing one of these kits for your next upgrade.
Better Availability And Sometimes Better Pricing
Because most buyers still aim for 16 or 32 gigabyte sticks, the 24 and 48 gigabyte modules are often easier to find in stock. Retailers may have more of them on shelves simply because there is less demand or because manufacturers are pushing these newer capacities to help balance production.
This can translate into two advantages:
- You are more likely to actually find a kit available when you are ready to buy.
- You may pay less per gigabyte than for the most popular binary kits during a price spike.
If your favorite store is out of 32 gigabyte kits or has doubled the price for them, a 24 by 2 kit that gives you 48 gigabytes total might be only slightly more expensive and far better value in terms of performance headroom.
More Headroom For Modern Games And Multitasking
Modern PC games are becoming more memory hungry, especially large open world titles and games that rely heavily on high resolution textures. Streaming, having many browser tabs open, Discord, game launchers and background apps all compete for memory at the same time.
Running 32 gigabytes of memory is still fine for most gamers but moving to 48 or even 64 plus gigabytes gives you more breathing room, especially if you:
- Stream and game at the same time
- Use heavy mod packs
- Run virtual machines or development tools
- Edit video or large images alongside gaming
Non binary kits like 2 by 24 gigabytes sit in a sweet spot. They provide a noticeable jump in capacity without forcing you into the higher cost of a full 64 or 96 gigabyte setup using more expensive binary kits.
Compatibility On Modern Platforms
The good news is that modern Intel and AMD platforms generally support non binary DDR5 without any trouble. Motherboard manufacturers have updated BIOS versions to recognize these intermediate capacities properly and memory vendors test their kits with common gaming boards.
As always, you should:
- Check your motherboard memory QVL list when possible
- Make sure you are running a recent BIOS
- Look for kits that are clearly labeled and marketed for your platform
In most cases you will install a non binary kit exactly like any other DDR5 memory and enable XMP or EXPO in the BIOS to reach the rated speeds.
Should You Buy Now Or Wait
If you are already on a DDR5 platform or about to make the jump, it makes sense to seriously consider non binary kits while binary options are under pressure. Waiting for prices to fall can work, but the current trend suggests that demand will stay strong for a while as more gamers move to newer CPUs and chip shortages ripple through the market.
A well chosen non binary DDR5 kit can secure you plenty of memory, good gaming performance and some future proofing without paying the very highest prices for traditional capacities. If you spot a 24 or 48 gigabyte per stick kit with a decent speed and latency at a fair price, it might be the smartest upgrade you can make before the next wave of price hikes hits the shelves.
Original article and image: https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/ram/non-binary-ram-kits-might-be-the-secret-to-skirt-surging-ddr5-prices-get-48gb-of-memory-for-less-than-32gb
