In the second half of 2025, the global memory chip market has officially entered an AI-driven super cycle. The most notable features of this market shift are "supply shortages" and "rising prices."
Unlike the temporary supply tightness caused by factory production cuts in 2024, the core driver of this growth is the explosive demand from AI. The training of AI models, expansion of data centers, and continuous upgrades of smart terminal devices have all contributed to the high demand for memory chips. In addition, the shift of high-end production capacity to advanced processes has further intensified the supply-demand imbalance, ushering in a new round of the memory super cycle.
Against this backdrop, Ande Electronics is actively strengthening its supply chain and technical services, aiming to provide customers with stable and efficient memory solutions, helping enterprises seize opportunities in this wave of AI-driven market growth.
Core Definition and Classification of Memory Chips
Memory chips, also known as semiconductor memory, are semiconductor devices used to store digital data and information. They achieve data memory by electronically charging or discharging the memory medium to represent different memory states. The core functions of memory chips include writing, reading, and temporarily or permanently storing data. Based on the data retention characteristics, memory chips are mainly divided into two categories:
Volatile Memory Chips:
These require continuous power to maintain data. If power is lost, the stored information is erased. They are primarily used for temporary data caching during device operation, such as Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) and Static Random Access Memory (SRAM). Among them, DRAM is a key consumable in current AI computing scenarios. High Bandwidth Memory (HBM), as a high-end form of DRAM, achieves significant bandwidth improvement through multi-layer stacking technology.
Non-Volatile Memory Chips:
These can retain data without continuous power, making them suitable for long-term data memory. Common types include NAND Flash, widely used in solid-state drives (SSD), USB flash drives, and other large-capacity memory solutions, as well as NOR Flash for smaller-capacity, fast-read applications.
Classification Dimension | Category | Main Type | Core Features and Typical Applications |
Whether data is lost after power off | Volatile Memory (RAM) | DRAM: Dynamic Random-Access Memory | Requires constant "refreshing" to retain data, large capacity, low cost, mainly used as main memory in computers, smartphones, servers, etc. |
SRAM: Static Random-Access Memory | No need to refresh, extremely fast but complex in structure, high cost, small capacity, mainly used as high-speed CPU cache. | ||
Non-Volatile Memory (NVM/ROM) | NAND Flash | Large capacity, low cost, but requires erasing before writing. Used for high-capacity memory, such as SSDs, USB drives, smartphones, and computers. | |
NOR Flash | Fast read speed, can execute code directly, but lower capacity and higher cost. Commonly used for system boot code, firmware, applications in set-top boxes, automotive electronics, IoT devices, etc. | ||
Other ROM (e.g., PROM, EPROM) | Varies by type, may be programmed once or multiple times, but most applications have been replaced by Flash technology. |
Expansion of Memory Chip Applications
The application of memory chips has gradually expanded from traditional consumer electronics to more high-performance and specialized fields. In smartphones, tablets, laptops, and home electronic devices, memory chips primarily handle data memory, program loading, and multitasking, providing users with a smooth and seamless experience. As device functions continue to expand, the demand for high-speed and large-capacity memory grows, driving performance upgrades in memory chips.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
In artificial intelligence (AI) servers and data centers, memory chips play a central role. They not only store massive amounts of training data but also serve as high-speed caches for model parameters, supporting fast read and write operations. This ensures efficient computation for deep learning algorithms. High-speed, low-latency memory chips significantly enhance AI model training and inference efficiency and are essential components in both cloud computing and edge computing environments.
Intelligent Vehicles
Intelligent vehicles are another important application area for memory chips. In in-vehicle infotainment systems, memory chips manage navigation data, multimedia content, and applications. In autonomous driving and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), they store sensor data, map information, and vehicle control algorithms, ensuring rapid response in complex driving scenarios. With the rise of electrification and intelligent vehicles, memory chips face higher requirements for capacity, reliability, and longevity.
Industrial Automation & IoT
Industrial automation and the Internet of Things (IoT) also heavily rely on memory chips. Industrial control devices, sensor nodes, and edge computing devices need temporary or long-term data memory for analysis, monitoring, and intelligent decision-making. memory chips with high durability and strong anti-interference capabilities meet the demands of long-term stable operation in complex industrial environments.
Global Memory Chip Market Overview
The global memory chip market is now highly concentrated and dominated by a few major players. Industry giants such as Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron hold leading positions thanks to their advanced technology and large-scale production. They have shifted production capacity toward high-value products like HBM and DDR5, while cutting traditional memory supply by about 25%, which has caused shortages in mainstream products such as DDR4.
The memory chip market is mainly divided into two sectors: DRAM and NAND Flash. According to recent data, in the third quarter of 2025, DRAM contract prices increased by 170% year-over-year, and the spot prices of some memory modules rose by as much as 100% in a single month. Meanwhile, NAND Flash prices went up by 30–50%. Samsung and SK Hynix have already informed customers that DRAM and NAND prices will rise another 15–30% in Q4 2025, breaking the usual trend of price declines in the fourth quarter.
This round of memory chip price increases mainly comes from a supply-demand imbalance driven by AI technology. On one hand, manufacturers have strictly limited production; on the other hand, AI applications are rapidly expanding, especially the strong demand for AI servers, which is greatly boosting the global memory chip market.
Ande Electronics: Advanced Memory Chip Solutions For You
Ande Electronics has been deeply engaged in chip technology, introducing a series of high-quality memory chip solutions. In response to the growing demand for data processing and memory, Ande’s product portfolio covers various types and capacities of memory, including DDR, HBM, and more, to meet the diverse application needs ranging from consumer electronics to industrial systems.
In the fields of high-performance computing and artificial intelligence (AI), Ande’s memory chips feature high-speed read/write capabilities and low latency, providing efficient data access support for AI servers, data centers, and edge computing devices.
For intelligent vehicles and industrial automation, Ande’s memory chips excel in durability, reliability, and environmental adaptability. They can be widely used in in-vehicle information systems, automated control equipment, and various sensor nodes.
Backed by a well-established supply chain and flexible delivery mechanism, Ande Electronics not only delivers high-quality memory chip products but also provides end-to-end technical support, covering component selection, system design, and performance verification. Through continuous innovation and reliable supply, Ande is committed to empowering intelligent applications with robust data Memory capabilities, helping customers achieve safer and more efficient digital transformation.
