RAM is an integral part of computers and servers across the globe. More RAM means a more responsive computer and higher performance for games, tasks, and so on. However, due to the rapidly expanding AI infrastructure, more companies are focusing on the production of high-quality RAM and conventional consumer-friendly components towards AI-centred projects. From a consumer point of view, this shift in production is incredibly noticeable price-wise. For example, a friend of mine bought a 32GB stick of (Crucial Pro) DDR5 RAM on Amazon for £79.99 in February 2025. Comparing this to the price just about a year later, now the exact same product costs £314.98. A shocking price increase in no time at all.
A shocking price increase in no time at all.
This is terrible for everybody wanting to buy any form of PC, buy computer components to build their own computer setup, or simply swap out burnt-out parts like RAM, SSDs, and GPUs. Speaking of, most of the integral parts of a computer are at risk and already being impacted by the price hikes. GPUs and data used for AI training are slightly different to the ones customers use in pre-built PCs, for example. However, more memory and energy being diverted into AI data centres means less GPU memory supply and higher GPU prices.
Following Microsoft’s transition to Windows 11, standard gaming PCs are going to require more intensive tech to compensate for the AI-powered specifications. And according to companies like ASUS, Dell, and HP, to name a few, computers may see “a 15-20% price rise” in the second half of 2026. High-capacity SSDs are being hoarded by these AI-first companies, preventing access to affordable, memory-efficient cards for the average consumer. Researcher Cameron Crandall saw that “SSD companies have seen a 246% rise in NAND wafer prices,” NAND being high density, non-volatile pieces of memory technology used in SSDs, USBs and more.
SSDs are being hoarded by these AI-first companies
Even more concerningly, even hard drives are being affected, external and internal alike. You might even see that once the more dependable companies for low pricing start running out of their cheaper supplies bought before the price increase this year, they too might fall victim to the ‘memory crisis’ that is the RAM shortage. RAM prices increasing causes a butterfly effect of rising non-consumer-friendly prices. I am currently writing this on an ASUS VivoBook that has been somewhat reliable for most games, with only 8GB of RAM. While I would love to upgrade to a higher-quality computer, I am running out of time to grab a somewhat affordable gaming laptop before every pre-built PC skyrockets.
Only time will tell if these prices ever settle down, or if they just keep climbing…