Memory Prices
Ongoing coverage on Memory Prices.
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A researcher says 'we just undid about 20 years of progress' when it comes to memory prices, so I broke out my calculator and compared actual RAM kits from 2007 to 2026
A researcher notes that current RAM prices have reversed approximately 20 years of progress, making memory as expensive per unit as it was in 2007. While the price per gigabyte is technically lower today, the cost to acquire a 'good' amount of RAM for a gaming PC has significantly increased compared to previous years, largely due to a global memory shortage.
Evening Tech Bits
RAM pricing has reportedly returned to normalized 2007 levels, reversing decades of exponential price drops. The AI shortage significantly impacted memory prices, undoing approximately 20 years of progress in a short period.
Samsung's mobile division posts first-ever loss due to soaring memory prices
Samsung's mobile division has reported its first-ever financial loss, attributed to significantly increased memory prices. This contrasts with the performance of the company's chip division.
Memory prices are predicted to rise as much as 50% in Q3 and it only gets worse from there
Memory prices for RAM and SSDs are predicted to increase significantly in Q3 and Q4 of 2026, with further year-on-year increases expected in 2027, driven by demand from AI data centers. A recovery is not anticipated until 2028. This price surge is already impacting PC builds and is expected to lead to price hikes for devices like iPads and Macbooks.
Framework says stabilising memory prices are a 'temporary reprieve' and there are more cost increases to come…
Framework CEO Nirav Patel warns that recent stabilizations in memory prices are a temporary reprieve, with further cost increases expected through 2026. While some DDR5 prices remain unchanged for now, Framework is already seeing higher costs for SSDs and LPDDR5x, necessitating price adjustments on certain configurations. The company notes that the AI industry's demand significantly influences memory market volatility.
Trendforce says DDR5 RAM kit prices have fallen 'sharply' in US, Europe and China but that contract memory…
Market analyst Trendforce reports a sharp decline in retail DDR5 RAM kit prices across the US, Europe, and China, attributing it to consumer-driven adjustments rather than a structural demand deterioration. Despite retail price drops, contract prices from major suppliers have remained stable, with strong demand from the server-side and AI sectors. The long-term fundamentals of the memory market appear unchanged, but future trends will depend on the continued growth of the AI industry.
Global PC sales forecast to dip by 5% in 2026 due to spiralling memory prices
Counterpoint Research forecasts a 5% contraction in global PC shipments for 2026, primarily due to spiraling memory prices impacting mainstream sales. While major brands like Dell, HP, and Lenovo are expected to see milder declines, Apple is predicted to increase sales due to its new MacBook Neo. The gaming PC market is considered more resilient to these price increases.
'There is no scenario where memory prices correct in the second half' of 2027, according to new market…
Market research firm Counterpoint Research indicates that memory prices are unlikely to see a correction until the second half of 2027 due to an ongoing supply crisis. Prices for DDR5 DRAM modules, LPDDR5X, and DDR4 have significantly increased, with NAND product pricing also spiking. Analysts suggest that consumer pricing improvements will not be seen until late 2027, as suppliers prioritize commodity memory production over custom AI chips.
Memory prices could leap even higher as the supply of helium, crucial to making chips, is now impacted by the conflict…
The conflict in the Middle East is impacting the global supply of helium, a critical component for semiconductor manufacturing. Major chipmakers like Samsung and SK Hynix are facing instability in sourcing helium, which is a byproduct of liquefied natural gas production. This disruption, particularly affecting South Korea's imports from Qatar, could lead to increased memory prices and potential production cuts for less profitable chips.
How a surge in memory prices will affect the game industry
A surge in demand for DRAM and NAND memory, driven by AI infrastructure expansion, is significantly increasing prices for components used in gaming hardware and development. This trend is expected to squeeze hardware margins for consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, potentially leading to price adjustments for subscriptions and peripherals. PC gamers may delay upgrades, while developers face rising server costs, necessitating smarter infrastructure strategies.
