The final quarter of 2025 is coming to an end, and the movements in the hardware market are unprecedented. Where prices and availability were still stable during the summer, we now see, at the end of Q4, a shift that can no longer be ignored: DDR4 and DDR5 modules have surged in price in a very short time, sometimes more than doubling. Other hardware categories follow the same trend, and lead times are being pushed into Q1 and even Q2 of 2026.

For a hardware specialist like ServerDirect, working daily with leading manufacturers and customers, this is the moment to be clear: the market is tightening, demand is rising, and ordering on time prevents project delays in 2026.

What Happened in Q4 and Why Things Are Accelerating

Explosive demand

On the demand side, the picture is clear:
AI projects, datacenter expansions, and HPC initiatives are growing explosively. Millions of servers are being ordered worldwide to support new workloads. This demand consumes enormous amounts of memory and storage production capacity.

Production shifts

On the production side, focus continues to shift toward DDR5, HBM, and high-performance modules. Manufacturers like Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron are making logical decisions to prioritize fast-growing, high-performance markets. Their capacity is urgently needed for the next generation of servers.

Component-Level Market Effects

• DDR4 modules are becoming scarcer, causing Q4 price increases of over 100% in some cases.
• DDR5 and HBM production lines are running at maximum capacity due to overwhelming demand from AI infrastructure and hyperscalers.
• Enterprise SSDs are showing a steady upward price trend, with incremental increases week by week.
• Popular memory and storage SKUs now show availability stretching into Q1–Q2 2026.

What This Means for Your IT Environment

For many organizations, the current market dynamics mean that projects previously running on schedule are suddenly under pressure. Components that were normally widely available now show lead times of 12–20 weeks, while prices in some categories are being revised almost daily.

How ServerDirect Is Already Protecting Customers

At ServerDirect, we see it as our responsibility not only to deliver what is requested, but to act proactively before the market forces your hand. In Q4, we are taking the following measures:

• Pre-orders & forecast purchasing with multiple vendors

This keeps options open and allows us to move quickly when shortages arise.

• Shorter quotation validity (now 1 business day)

Not to push customers, but because prices are simply changing daily. This protects against unexpected cost increases.

• Smart configuration alternatives

We evaluate performance, TCO, and availability. Sometimes a component with identical performance is available within 2 weeks.

• Fully assembled servers in the Netherlands

Our local assembly allows us to produce faster and respond flexibly as components become available.

Recommendations for IT Departments & Integrators

• Reassess capacity and project plans for H1 2026
• Place critical orders before the end of this year
• Let us analyze alternative or configurable options
• Schedule a short forecasting session with our team

Moving Forward Together in 2026

The market is moving faster than ever, but there is good news: with the right preparation, the right partners, and smart configuration choices, you can stay on schedule in 2026.

At ServerDirect, we combine direct manufacturer relationships with a strong multi-vendor strategy, dedicated technical advice, and our own assembly capacity in the Netherlands. This allows us to move quickly, provide alternatives when the market is tight, and keep projects within their planned timelines.

In a year where lead times and prices continue to shift, anticipation is more important than reaction. Our message to customers is clear: plan ahead, order on time, and use Q4 to secure your 2026 capacity.

Want to discuss your planning, budget, or configuration?

Contact our sales team, we are happy to advise and can still place orders this year within the remaining vendor allocations.