TAIPEI -- DRAM contract prices are forecast to rise nearly 30% in the current quarter on stronger-than-expected notebook demand.

DRAMeXchange said prices in the spot market for DRAM chips in September were on average 19% and 15% higher for 4Gb DDR3 and DDR4 chips, respectively.

Contract prices for PC DRAM averaged $14.50 in September, up 7.4% sequentially, DRAMeXchange added.

"Since the third quarter, PC OEMs have become more willing to accept premium prices for PC DRAM in order to secure the volumes they need," a DRAMeXchange spokesperson said. "In the fourth quarter, the PC DRAM market will witness an even larger price hike. The undersupply problem will worsen as well due to DRAM makers underestimating the increase in demand."

The NAND flash market is also under pressure, with inventory shortages coupled with higher demand. DRAMeXchange expects fourth quarter ASPs for eMCP devices will increase 10 to 15% sequentially.

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