DRAM Market Analysis

Global Dynamic RAM (DRAM) Market Overview:

Dynamic RAM (DRAM) Market Size was valued at USD 123.4 billion in 2023. The Dynamic RAM (DRAM) market industry is projected to grow from USD 131.1 billion in 2024 to USD 300.1 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.20% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). Dynamic RAM (DRAM) is a type of random-access memory that stores information in each bit form on a separate capacitor. In static RAM (SRAM), the data is stored using a static method, in which data remains constant if electricity is supplied to the memory chip. Therefore, a DRAM holds or stores more data than an SRAM chip of the same size. DRAM stores the data efficiently because it requires less physical space to store the same amount of data than if it is stored statically. The DRAM can be categorized as fast page mode (FPM), external data output (EDO), burst extended data output (BEDO), asynchronous DRAM, and synchronous DRAM (SDRAM).

FIGURE 1: Dynamic RAM (DRAM) Market 2018-2032

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Covid-19 Analysis

The COVID-19 outbreak had affected the DRAM market severely, causing huge revenue losses to end-use industries like Mobile Phones, PCs/laptops, and more. After a brief slowdown in 2019, the memory market was again hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, post lockdown limitations getting relaxed with time, the DRAM market is again gearing up gradually. The stay-at-home economy, alongside the datacenter server boom, propelled strong demand for DRAM in the first half and the third quarter of 2020. The continual rise in the data center and computer markets creates a substantial demand for SRAM, processors, graphics, and memory & storage for fast data access. Innovative DRAM market key players have actively started to look for ramping up products based on the new LPDDR5 interface standard.

Dynamic RAM (DRAM) Market Dynamics

Growing Adoption of High-End Smartphones

With global urbanization and advances in technology, the adoption of consumer electronics such as laptops/tablets, smartphones and digital cameras has increased manifold.

According to Zenith’s Mobile Advertising Forecasts, by 2019, the global smartphone penetration will reach nearly 66%, with mobile devices accounting for 73% of global internet consumption. The major factor contributing to the growing demand is the increasing population, rise in per-capita disposable income, and easy availability of high-speed internet and end-use products at low cost.

The growing smartphone usage has increased the demand for handsets with high processing capabilities, low-power-consumption with high storage capacity. This has consequently fuelled the demand for DRAM. Therefore, the growing production of smartphones with high processing and enhanced memory capabilities is expected to drive the market during the forecast period.

Growing Number of Data Centers and Servers

The increasing number of social networking platforms, IoT devices, and other devices has resulted in the generation of huge volumes of data that has led to an increase in the establishment of various data center facilities worldwide. Moreover, the growing need for cloud computing has increased the overall size and economic impact of data centers. In the US, investments in the data center construction is in full swing involving some of the major service providers namely Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Facebook. According to the Washington State Department of Commerce, the US data center market is witnessing growth both in terms of new construction and absorption. North Virginia has the largest data center market in the US.

The increase in new mobile computing devices has led to an increase in the utility of data centers among various organizations. Hence, major active companies are looking to invest in new data center construction projects. According to the Washington State Department of Commerce, companies such as Facebook have spent ~USD 1 billion for the construction of data center in Richmond, VA, US. Similarly, Apple Inc. announced the investment of USD 1.3 billion for data center construction across the US. Several other companies such as Amazon and Microsoft have also announced their plans to construct new data center projects.

The growth in data centers and servers is expected to drive the demand for DRAM chip during the forecast period.

Dynamic RAM (DRAM) Market Segment Insights:

Dynamic RAM (DRAM) Type Insights

The Dynamic RAM (DRAM) market segmentation, based on Type, includes Synchronous DRAM, BEDO (Burst Extended Data Output, Asynchronous DRAM and FPM (Fast Page Mode). Synchronous DRAM is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period. The memory which works in synchrony with the clock speed of the microprocessor is known as synchronous DRAM (SDRAM). The speed of SDRAM is measured in MHz and it requires constant refreshes to retain the data. Synchronous DRAM is faster and operates efficiently than asynchronous DRAM. Synchronous DRAM uses an externally supplied clock signal to coordinate the operation of its external pin supply. Micron Technology, Inc. is a leading provider of SDRAMs such as 64MB, 128MB, 256 MB, and 512MB. These memories operate on a voltage of 3.3V, operating temperature range of 0C to +70C, -40C to +85C, -40C to +105C, and clock rates of 133 MHz, 143 MHz, 166 MHz, 167 MHz.

Dynamic RAM (DRAM) Technology Insights

The market is divided into DDR4, DDR3, DDR5/GDDR5, and DDR2 based on technology. DDR4 accounted for the biggest share of global Dynamic RAM (DRAM) revenue. DDR4 was first introduced in 2014 with the bus clock speed ranging from 800 to 1600 MHz. Their storage capacity ranges from 4 to 128 GB per DIMM. DDR4 efficiently works on 1.2 V where DDR3 operates in the range of 1.5 to 1.65 V. DDR4 memory supports data transfer rates ranging from 1600 Mbps to 3200 Mbps. DDR4 memory modules are available in DIMM and SO-DIMM. SO-DIMM is designed for laptops and all in one desktop computers. DDR4 DIMMs are designed with curved edge technology which makes it easier to put them and remove from slots.

FIGURE 2: Dynamic RAM (DRAM) Market SHARE BY TECHNOLOGY 2021 (%)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Dynamic RAM (DRAM) Application Insights

The Dynamic RAM (DRAM) market is divided into PC/Laptops, Mobile Phones, Gaming Consoles and Networking Devices based on application. PC/Laptops segment holds largest share of global Dynamic RAM (DRAM) revenue. In recent days, DDR3, DDR4, and DDR5 memories are replacing DDR2 in personal computers and laptops. These memory chips are used in PCs or laptops to run operating system and applications quickly and smoothly. DDR3 and DDR4 are the popular and high-end DRAMs essential for HD video editing, image editing, gaming, graphic designs, manipulating & multitasking, and processing large amount of data. For PC and laptop applications, the adoption of DDR5 DRAM is still underway. DDR5 DRAM is expected to capture the market in the next six months or one year. With the use of DDR5 DRAM, laptops/PCs will consume less power which can extend the battery life.

Dynamic RAM (DRAM) Regional Insights

Geographically, the Dynamic RAM (DRAM) market has been categorized into North America, Europe, the Asia-Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and South America. North America is one of the significant contributor to the growth of DRAM market owing to the presence of key players such as Cypress Semiconductor Corporation, Micron Technology, Inc., and Integrated Silicon Solution Inc. These companies are leaders in innovative memory and storage solutions, introducing disruptive trends such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, IoT, and autonomous vehicles.

The growing adoption of high-end smartphones, and emerging technologies such as machine learning and artificial intelligence is driving the demand for DRAMs in various end-use applications. Mobile manufacturers such as Samsung and Apple Inc. are utilizing DRMs in their smartphones to support various 5G, and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered mobile applications. Whereas, cloud service providers such as Google and Amazon are utilizing DRAMs in their data centers for cloud computing applications for scalability and improvement of memory capacity.

FIGURE 3: Dynamic RAM (DRAM) Market SHARE BY REGION 2021 (%)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Dynamic RAM (DRAM) Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

The global DRAM market consists of various global and local manufacturers that are continuously developing new technology based on DRAM for global expansion to solidify their market position. The manufacturers compete on the basis of cost, product quality, and technology in the DRAM market. DRAM is used in various applications mainly personal computers (PCs) and servers. Moreover, the growing adoption of high-end smartphones is fueling the DRAM market growth, leading to the development of new products according to the end-use requirements. Various other applications use DRAM such as smartphones, tablets, digital signal controller (DSC), global positioning systems (GPS), tablets, and pads. Moreover, consumer electronics utilize DRAMs in digital cameras, portable media players, set-top boxes, video cards, smart TVs and others and offer low power consumption. Similarly, other computer equipment requiring DRAM as a basic component include routers, switches, networking devices, servers, memory, and storage.

The companies are primarily focusing on new product development. Various key players in the market such as Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, SK Hynix Inc., Micron Technology, Inc., Nanya Technology Corporation and others are developing DRAM memory products based on the capacity and specifications required in devices and servers. In October 2018, ADATA Technology Co., Ltd. launched GAMMIX D30 DDR4 memory module which offers high performance with a speed of up to 4600MHz and supports Intel X299 2666MHz and AMD AM4 / Ryzen platforms.

Key Companies in the Dynamic RAM (DRAM) market include

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  Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.

  
  


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  Winbond Electronics Corporation

  
  


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  Nanya Technology Corporation

  
  


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  ATP Electronics Inc.

  
  


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  Micron Technology Inc.

  
  


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  Integrated Silicon Solution Inc.

  
  


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  SK Hynix Inc.

  
  


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  Powerchip Technology Corporation

  
  


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  Kingston Technology Corporation

  
  


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  Transcend Information Inc.

  
  

Dynamic RAM (DRAM) Industry Developments

July 2018: Samsung Electronics launched 8Gb LPDDR5 DRAM for 5G and AI-powered mobile applications. The product is used for providing low-power mobile memory solutions.

July 2018: Nanya Technology to acquire Formosa Advanced Technology to strengthen the DRAM products testing and packaging.

Dynamic RAM (DRAM) Market Segmentation:

Dynamic RAM (DRAM) Type Outlook

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  Synchronous DRAM

  
  


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  BEDO (Burst Extended Data Output)

  
  


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  EDO (Extended Data Output)

  
  


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  Asynchronous DRAM

  
  


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  FPM (Fast Page Mode)

  
  

Dynamic RAM (DRAM) Technology Outlook

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  DDR4

  
  


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  DDR3

  
  


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  DDR5/GDDR5

  
  


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  DDR2

  
  

Dynamic RAM (DRAM) Application Outlook

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  PC/Laptops

  
  


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  Mobile Phones

  
  


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  Gaming Consoles

  
  


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  Networking Devices

  
  

Dynamic RAM (DRAM) Regional Outlook

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  North America

  
  

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  US

  
  


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  Canada

  
  


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  Mexico

  
  

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  Europe

  
  

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  Germany

  
  


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  France

  
  


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  UK

  
  


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  Rest of Europe

  
  

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  Asia-Pacific

  
  

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  China

  
  


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  Japan

  
  


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  India

  
  


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  Rest of Asia-Pacific

  
  

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  Middle East & Africa

  
  


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  South America