DDR4 shortage 2026: lead times, end-of-life and refurbished DDR4 options
- DDR4 production is being wound down in favour of DDR5 and HBM, but demand from servers, networking and industrial products continues.
- Lead times of 30–40 weeks have been reported for DDR4 allocation orders.
- Common industrial parts include the Micron MT40A1G16 family (16Gb, x16 DDR4).
- When buying refurbished DDR4, match the full part number and speed grade, and ask for test evidence.
Why is DDR4 hard to buy in 2026?
The three large DRAM makers announced DDR4 end-of-life plans in 2025, then reportedly extended some of them because customers kept ordering. The result is a thin, allocated market: capacity is being redirected to DDR5 and HBM, while a large installed base of servers, switches, set-top boxes and industrial controllers still needs DDR4. Industry sources report allocation orders with 30–40 week lead times and sharp price increases.
Which DDR4 parts are commonly requested?
High-density x16 parts are widely used in embedded designs. One example is the Micron MT40A1G16 family: a 16Gb (1 Gig x16) DDR4 SDRAM. The suffix after the dash, such as -062E, is the speed grade (DDR4-3200), and other letters describe package and temperature options. Read our part-number guide to decode a full marking.
What should you check before buying refurbished DDR4?
- Exact part number and speed grade. A different suffix can mean a different speed, voltage or temperature rating.
- Condition on the quote. It should say refurbished, not new or surplus.
- Date code and lot traceability. Mixed date codes in one reel are a warning sign.
- Test evidence. Ask what was tested (opens and shorts, read and write, speed) and on what equipment.
- Moisture handling and packaging. BGA packages should follow JEDEC J-STD-033 practice.
- Return terms in writing.
Should you redesign for DDR5 instead?
For new designs, usually yes, but redesign takes months and requalification. For products already in the field, a tested refurbished supply can bridge the gap while you plan the transition.
Request DDR4 availability
Send AURCAL the exact DDR4 part numbers and quantities. We will confirm whether a refurbished and tested lot is available and what documents we can supply.
Frequently asked questions
Is DDR4 end-of-life?
The major manufacturers announced DDR4 phase-out plans in 2025 and reportedly extended some of them; supply remains allocated and expensive.
What does MT40A1G16 mean?
It is a Micron DDR4 SDRAM family organised as 1 Gig x 16, which is 16Gb per device. Suffixes give the speed grade, package and temperature options.
Is refurbished DDR4 reliable?
Reliability depends on the process. Look for incoming inspection, electrical testing and records linked to each lot.
Sources
- Globx: Memory Chip Shortage 2026
- TrendForce: DDR4 exit timeline for Samsung, SK hynix and Micron
- TrendForce: Samsung and SK hynix reportedly delay DDR4 phase-out to 2026
Market figures are quoted from the sources above and change quickly. They are not an AURCAL price list.
Sources and further reading
External pages written by the standards bodies and manufacturers named here. AURCAL is not affiliated with them. Links last checked 1 November 2026.
- JEDEC: JESD79-4 DDR4 SDRAM standard – Official standard listing for DDR4 SDRAM.
- JEDEC: JESD79-5 DDR5 SDRAM standard – Official standard listing for DDR5 SDRAM.