Hardware Buying Guide, Memory for Business

Business memory at a glance: types, makers and what moves the price

Memory for Business · Overview

The question: we are buying memory for PCs or servers. What do we need to know first?

Quick rule: match the exact machine, buy a supported part number, and confirm price and lead time in writing.

Computer memory at a glanceMind map with eight branches: memory for PCs and laptops, servers, AI and graphics, storage, chip makers, module brands, what moves the price, and what to check before you buy. Each branch is explained in the text below.PCs and laptopsDDR4 and DDR5UDIMM (desktop)SODIMM (laptop)LPDDR (soldered)ServersRDIMM and LRDIMMECC error correctionDDR5 is currentCXL expansionAI and graphicsHBM (AI accelerators)GDDR (graphics)StorageSSDs (NAND flash)Long-term storageChip makersSamsung 39%SK hynix 26%Micron 25%CXMT 7%Module brandsDell, HPE, LenovoSamsung, SK hynixMicronKingstonWhat moves priceAI server demandFew, slow factoriesDDR4 winding downContract vs spotBefore you buyExact machine modelSupported part listWarranty termsLead timeComputer memoryChip maker figures: share of DRAM revenue, Q2 2026 (Counterpoint Research)

Types of memory

  • PCs and laptops: DDR4 or DDR5, as UDIMM modules in desktops and SODIMM in laptops. Many thin laptops use LPDDR soldered to the board, which cannot be upgraded.
  • Servers: registered modules (RDIMM, or LRDIMM for the largest capacities) with ECC, which corrects memory errors. Server and desktop modules are not interchangeable. Recent servers can also add memory through CXL expansion modules.
  • AI and graphics: HBM is built into AI accelerators and GDDR into graphics cards. You do not buy them separately, but they are made in the same factories as your server memory.
  • Storage is separate: SSDs use NAND flash and keep data when the power is off. Memory does not.

Who makes it

  • Chips: three companies make about 90% of the world’s memory chips (DRAM).
Chip makerShare of DRAM revenue, Q2 2026
Samsung39%
SK hynix26%
Micron25%
CXMT7%
  • Modules: Dell, HPE and Lenovo sell memory under their own part numbers, built on those chips. Samsung, SK hynix and Micron also sell modules directly, and Kingston is the best-known independent module maker.

What moves the price

  • AI servers take a growing share of production.
  • Factories are few and take years to build.
  • DDR4 is being wound down, so older systems compete for a shrinking supply.
  • Contract and spot prices differ. Large buyers pay contract prices set each quarter. Smaller orders follow the spot market, which moves faster.

Our market briefing covers what is happening now.

Before you buy

  • The exact server or PC model, and its supported memory list.
  • Module type, capacity per module and number of free slots. Fill memory channels evenly.
  • The same part number across a fleet.
  • Whether the system maker’s support covers third-party modules.
  • Lead time, and how long the quote is valid.

Buying for an organisation? Send us your hardware schedule or server models. We return supported part numbers, pricing and lead time.

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Sources

General guidance. Check the documentation for your exact hardware before you buy. Full notice.