Why your RAM options cost 4X more now than last year - even legacy tech prices aren't immune

2026-06-24 · Source: News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Cloud Computing & IT Infrastructure · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, medium

Summary

RAM prices have surged dramatically, with a 32GB DDR5 kit now costing around \$400, up from \$100-\$120 last year, and a 32GB DDR4 kit rising from \$60-\$70 to over \$200. This increase is primarily driven by "unprecedented high demand from the AI industry," as AI data centers consume vast quantities of HBM and LPDDR5X, projected to use 70% of all memory chips globally in 2026. Micron even shuttered its consumer-facing Crucial brand to prioritize enterprise AI. A secondary factor is the 2026 war in Iran, which disrupted helium supplies from Qatar, impacting semiconductor manufacturing. Even legacy DDR2 and DDR3 RAM, previously for industrial use, has seen significant price spikes, with DDR2 increasing 60% in Q2 2026 and another 35-40% expected. This volatility affects PCs, servers, and smartphones, with budget phones hit hardest, and the global smartphone market predicted to shrink by 2.1% this year. Prices are not expected to stabilize until late 2027, remaining 60-100% above 2024 levels.

Key takeaway

For Directors of AI/ML planning infrastructure upgrades, you should factor in significantly higher RAM costs, potentially 4x more than last year, and anticipate continued volatility until at least late 2027. Prioritize efficient memory utilization in your models and consider long-term supply contracts, as manufacturers are prioritizing high-margin AI customers. Be aware that even legacy hardware costs are rising, impacting broader tech budgets.

Key insights

AI demand and helium shortages are driving a global, multi-generational RAM price surge affecting all tech sectors.

Principles

• High-margin AI demand shifts manufacturing priorities.
• Supply chain disruptions have cascading effects on tech components.
• Legacy hardware prices are not immune to new market pressures.

In practice

• Expect higher costs for new PCs, smartphones, and Raspberry Pi boards.
• Anticipate continued RAM price volatility and elevated levels through 2027.

Topics

• Memory Market Volatility
• AI Data Centers
• Semiconductor Supply Chain
• Helium Shortage
• DDR5
• Legacy RAM

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET.