Samsung and other leading memory manufacturers are reaping record profits amid a global shortage of RAM. Demand for Random Access Memory (RAM) has skyrocketed, particularly in the AI industry, where it is used to power high-performance servers and data centers.
The prices of RAM have soared, with a 32GB kit of DDR5-6000 increasing from $80 in August to over $340 today. This price hike is a result of several factors, including scalpers who buy up kits to resell them at inflated prices, and the growing demand for memory from AI companies like OpenAI.
The situation has become particularly challenging due to the fact that these companies are competing with each other to secure access to standard DRAM used for traditional servers and consumer devices. According to estimates, OpenAI's "Stargate" could use up to 40% of the world's DRAM output all by itself, further exacerbating the shortage.
To meet this demand, memory manufacturers have shifted their production capacity to High-Bandwidth Memory (HBM), which uses more space on silicon wafers than standard DDR5. This shift has resulted in a disproportionate reduction in available DRAM, driving up prices even further.
The AI industry's insatiable demand for RAM will likely keep prices elevated for years to come. Analysts predict that the average selling price for DRAM will increase by as much as 33% in 2026, and the market for HBM could be larger than the entire RAM market was in 2024.
In contrast to these companies' forecasts, some experts warn of an AI bubble that may burst or deflate, leading to a sharp decrease in demand and subsequently lower prices. If this happens, memory manufacturers could find themselves with large inventories of unsold chips, forcing them to reduce prices to clear out stock.
As the global shortage of RAM continues, consumers who rely on their computers for work, gaming, or entertainment may see their prices rise significantly, making it more difficult to build or upgrade a PC.
The prices of RAM have soared, with a 32GB kit of DDR5-6000 increasing from $80 in August to over $340 today. This price hike is a result of several factors, including scalpers who buy up kits to resell them at inflated prices, and the growing demand for memory from AI companies like OpenAI.
The situation has become particularly challenging due to the fact that these companies are competing with each other to secure access to standard DRAM used for traditional servers and consumer devices. According to estimates, OpenAI's "Stargate" could use up to 40% of the world's DRAM output all by itself, further exacerbating the shortage.
To meet this demand, memory manufacturers have shifted their production capacity to High-Bandwidth Memory (HBM), which uses more space on silicon wafers than standard DDR5. This shift has resulted in a disproportionate reduction in available DRAM, driving up prices even further.
The AI industry's insatiable demand for RAM will likely keep prices elevated for years to come. Analysts predict that the average selling price for DRAM will increase by as much as 33% in 2026, and the market for HBM could be larger than the entire RAM market was in 2024.
In contrast to these companies' forecasts, some experts warn of an AI bubble that may burst or deflate, leading to a sharp decrease in demand and subsequently lower prices. If this happens, memory manufacturers could find themselves with large inventories of unsold chips, forcing them to reduce prices to clear out stock.
As the global shortage of RAM continues, consumers who rely on their computers for work, gaming, or entertainment may see their prices rise significantly, making it more difficult to build or upgrade a PC.
I mean, come on, this is just basic economics 101, folks! The AI industry's insatiable demand for RAM is like, totally not a surprise 
. It's been building up for years and it finally reached a boiling point. And now we're seeing the prices skyrocket? No biggie 
. Scalpers, hoarding all the good stuff, driving up prices even further 
. But honestly, who's surprised by that? It's like, basic human nature to exploit a market when you can get away with it 
.
. I mean, 40% of the world's DRAM output? That's just plain reckless 
. And now we're gonna pay for it? Yeah, good luck to anyone trying to build a PC that doesn't break the bank 
. Mark my words!
this is crazy! i mean, 40% of the world's DRAM output going to just one AI company is wild 
. and now the prices are through the roof? that's just gonna hit regular people who can't afford it 
Samsung and other memory manufacturers are raking in the dough while we're struggling to afford RAM 
and driving up prices even more. And don't even get me started on these scalpers buying up kits just to resell them at inflated prices 
. It's like, can't we all just get along? 
. Large inventories of unsold chips? Forget about it 
. Prices are gonna drop like a rock 
.
! Can't we just have decent RAM prices that won't break the bank 
... people got all excited about it and then it just didn't live up to the hype. Now we're paying the price, literally 
. Anyway, it's not all doom and gloom... I'm sure they'll find a way to balance demand with supply eventually. But in the meantime, expect those computer prices to skyrocket like a Nintendo 64 game during its peak