"If you've been following PC hardware news over the past few months, you'll know that RAM prices have climbed to absurd heights. According to PCPartPicker, the average price of a 2x 32GB DDR5-6000 kit reached nearly $800 in December 2025. For comparison, Sony's PS5 Pro currently sells for $749. And the situation may get worse, with more potential price surges later this year and RAM prices rising another 50% in Q1 2026 alone."
"The rise of AI is at the top of the list, referred to by Acer as "the single biggest driver behind the shortage." There are also manufacturing challenges, growing hardware demands, and the ongoing decline in DDR4 RAM production. Soaring prices don't just affect PC enthusiasts, they're reshaping the entire PC market."
RAM prices have spiked sharply, with a 2x32GB DDR5-6000 kit averaging nearly $800 in December 2025 and comparisons showing flagship consoles priced lower. Forecasts predict additional surges, including a projected 50% rise in Q1 2026. Major drivers include increased AI-related demand, manufacturing constraints, rising hardware requirements, and reduced DDR4 production. The price shock is shifting notebook shipments toward lower-tier 8GB configurations and prompting vendors to offer less memory in some models. The trend harms students, power users, professionals, and gamers. Cost-saving responses include buying refurbished or secondhand systems and seeking alternative purchasing strategies.
Read at ZDNET
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