RAM Price Surge Threatens Consumer Electronics Costs

Memory Crisis: How AI Demand is Making Computers Unaffordable

The global electronics market is facing an unprecedented crisis as memory prices skyrocket, threatening to make computers, laptops, and smartphones significantly more expensive in the coming months. According to industry experts, RAM (Random-Access Memory) prices have tripled in recent months, creating a perfect storm that could add hundreds of euros to the cost of consumer devices.

The AI Factor: Why Memory is Suddenly So Scarce

The root cause of this crisis lies in the explosive growth of artificial intelligence. Major tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI are building massive data centers that require enormous amounts of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) to train and run AI models. 'AI data centers are outbidding consumer markets for every available memory chip,' explains industry analyst Mark Johnson from TrendForce. 'What we're seeing is a fundamental shift in the memory industry's priorities.'

Major manufacturers Samsung, SK hynix, and Micron have shifted their production capacity toward these lucrative AI contracts, deliberately limiting expansion of commodity DRAM used in consumer electronics. According to industry reports, DDR5 chip prices have surged from approximately $6.84 to $27.20 in just the fourth quarter of 2025.

Consumer Impact: From Gamers to Everyday Users

The effects are already being felt across the market. Tomas Hochstenbach of tech site Tweakers warns that 'a smartphone costing 300-400 euros today might be 50 euros more expensive in a few months, and laptops could easily increase by 100 euros.' For gamers and PC builders, the situation is even more dramatic.

Sergio Meyer, a Rotterdam resident who builds his own gaming PC every year, told reporters: 'I thought it was a mistake when I saw 400 euros for RAM that used to cost a third of that. For me, it's simply too expensive right now, so I'm waiting and gaming less.'

Data from Pricewatch shows that 32GB of RAM, popular among gamers, has jumped from an average of 111 euros in January to 352 euros in recent weeks - and continues to climb daily.

Manufacturer Response and Market Dynamics

Adri Broos of Megekko, a computer parts supplier, notes that 'manufacturers warned us in summer they couldn't meet demand, but we didn't expect these extreme price increases.' The situation is compounded by the industry's transition from DDR4 to DDR5 memory. According to TrendForce analysis, major manufacturers are phasing out DDR4 production entirely to focus on DDR5 and HBM for AI applications.

This creates a double squeeze: reduced supply of older technology combined with redirected capacity toward premium AI-focused memory. 'Memory now accounts for about 18% of a new PC's bill of materials, double what it was in 2024,' notes a recent industry report.

When Will Prices Normalize?

The timeline for relief appears distant. Broos expects prices won't return to normal levels for at least six months, warning that 'the price of RAM definitely won't drop in the coming weeks.' Industry analysts are even more pessimistic, suggesting the shortage could persist into 2027-2028 when new fabrication plants come online.

Computer manufacturers are already adjusting their pricing. HP has announced that more expensive memory will lead to higher laptop and desktop prices. 'Computers in stores now were built three or four months ago with lower memory prices,' explains Broos. 'Those built with current high prices will be significantly more expensive.'

The memory price increases typically take about three months to work through to finished products, meaning consumers will feel the full impact in early 2026. For now, the advice from experts is clear: if you need a new computer or smartphone, consider buying sooner rather than later, as prices are only heading in one direction - up.