RAM Prices
Ongoing coverage on RAM Prices.
Latest coverage
Alienware's 2026 16X Aurora does much more than slap a fancy new OLED face on its 16-inch chassis, there's a route here for those stung by RAM prices
The 2026 Alienware 16X Aurora gaming laptop receives a 4.5/5 star rating, praised for its excellent glare-free OLED display, solid RTX 5070 performance, and easily upgradeable RAM and SSD bays. While its performance is strong and its aesthetic is refined, drawbacks include a slightly higher price point, a less satisfying keyboard than previous models, and a heavier form factor compared to competitors.
Why are RAM prices so high right now?
This article discusses the current high prices of RAM and explores when consumers can expect them to decrease. The focus is on the market dynamics affecting RAM costs.
RAM prices will stay high, as 2027 memory production slots are already sold out
RAM prices, particularly for DDR5, are expected to remain high due to massive demand from AI firms and sold-out production slots for 2027. Major manufacturers Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron have filled their capacity, prioritizing High Bandwidth Memory for AI servers over consumer-grade RAM. This shortage impacts gamers building PCs or buying new devices, with no immediate signs of price drops.
Morning Tech Bits
Intel's Optane technology, specifically its KV cache, is discussed as a potential solution to ease RAM price increases. SK hynix is noted for its record-breaking $55.6 billion in revenue, highlighting significant activity in the semiconductor market.
Sunday Tech Bits
Valve acknowledges that the ongoing memory crisis shows no signs of abating, with RAM prices expected to continue their upward trend. The company notes that the situation is 'still getting worse,' impacting the cost of PC components.
'Thank you again rural Walmart': Redditor picks up 32 GB of memory for $50, twice
A Redditor found a significant deal on 32 GB of DDR4 RAM for $50 at a rural Walmart, highlighting current high prices driven by the AI industry. This find of 64 GB for $100 total, originally priced at $319 per kit, serves as a reminder to check local retailers for potential hardware bargains amidst a widespread memory supply crisis.
RAM prices "will never be like last year again," predicts PC maker Lenovo
Lenovo predicts that high RAM and SSD prices, driven by AI data center demand, are likely to persist for years, potentially until 2030 or beyond. Despite increased production capacity from manufacturers like SK Hynix and Samsung, demand is expected to keep prices elevated compared to previous years. The company advises consumers to carefully consider their RAM needs, suggesting 16GB may be sufficient for many gaming PCs, while 32GB is recommended for more demanding tasks like streaming or video editing.
Oh no, that's Lenovo saying they think these RAM prices will be the new normal and may never go back to how they were
Lenovo suggests that current high DRAM and NAND prices may become the new normal, potentially extending beyond 2030. Despite increased production capacity, the company believes prices will not return to previous levels. This trend has already impacted the industry, leading to the shutdown of the game preservation site Myrient and contributing to the high cost of Valve's Steam Machines.
Apple CEO doesn't expect the RAM memory crisis to go away any time soon
Apple CEO Tim Cook anticipates that the current crisis of expensive RAM memory will persist, impacting the company's business. He noted that while Apple managed minimal impact in the last quarter, significant effects are expected on Mac models due to high demand and continued high memory costs. This situation is exacerbated by the increasing demand for AI data centers, contributing to a wider industry-wide supply crunch.
RAM prices are levelling off, but even with these Newegg deals those rates are still sky-high
RAM prices are stabilizing but remain high, with Newegg offering some discounts on Corsair Vengeance LPX kits. While DDR4 prices have increased significantly over the past year, DDR5 kits are considerably more expensive, with 32GB sets costing around $500. Prices are not expected to fall until next year at the earliest.
Infinity Nikki and Love and Deepspace dev: "AI lacks the soul to replace human creators"
Infold Games CTO Ji Zhang stated that AI cannot replace human creators in game development due to its lack of 'soul'. He also addressed concerns about rising RAM prices, believing the cost increase to be temporary. Zhang detailed the different technologies used for their games, Infinity Nikki and Love and Deepspace, noting their use of Unity and Unreal Engine respectively, with in-house tools for optimization.
Gundam's Trailer Gives Hope for Armored Core Anime Drea... | TAG
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam is breaking its Nintendo exclusivity to launch on PC and PlayStation 5 in 2026, featuring a new trailer and art style. The article also speculates on the potential for a FromSoftware Armored Core anime inspired by the latest Gundam trailer and discusses the recent volatility in RAM prices.
RAM spot prices are down by 5%, though they did spike by well over 2000% this past year
Spot prices for RAM have recently decreased by approximately 5%, following a significant spike of over 2000% in the past year, largely driven by the AI industry's demand. Despite this minor drop, consumer prices are unlikely to fall substantially soon, with projections suggesting affordable RAM might not be available until 2028. Some industry leaders express concern about potential bankruptcies and the future of personal computing due to the ongoing memory crisis.
Saturday Tech Bits
RAM prices are reportedly beginning to decrease, though consumers are advised to wait before purchasing. The article also touches on the incompatibility issues with certain USB-C cables and docks.
Nintendo Switch Triumphs: Star Fox and Mario Steal the ... | TAG
Several gaming news outlets report on recent updates and releases. Star Fox titles are now available on Nintendo Switch Online, while Slay the Spire 2 enters early access. Bungie is buffing the Recon class in Marathon, and Marvel and DC are set for a Spider-Man/Superman crossover in 2026. Additionally, Take-Two has reportedly laid off members of its AI team.
Ongoing RAM price crisis cited as one of the reasons "game preservation service" Myrient is shutting down this month
The game preservation service Myrient will shut down on March 31, 2026, due to a combination of factors including a lack of funding and increased operational costs. The operator cited rising RAM prices, driven by AI datacenters, as a significant contributor to the increased hosting and hardware expenses, making the site unsustainable.
