If you’re planning to upgrade your computer’s memory or buy a new device soon, now may be the time to do it.
That’s according to tech analysts who are sounding the alarm: RAM prices are about to rise by nearly 50 percent in the coming weeks.
According to a report from Jefferies Equity Research analysts, memory chip pricing is expected to rise between 40 and 50 percent in the third quarter of 2026 — between July 1 and September 30, in other words.
Hoping that relief is on the horizon, in the form of increased supply to meet the demand? Alas, that doesn’t seem likely anytime soon either.
Memory prices are expected to rise even further, between 30 and 40 percent more, in the fourth quarter (October through December). And it only gets worse next year; analysts project memory price hikes will continue with a year-on-year increase of 40 to 45 percent in 2027.
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Memory chip manufacturers, like Samsung and Micron, have already sold a good portion of their output to companies building out AI data centers. That means fewer chips for consumers in the form of PCs, smartphones, and video game consoles. Demand from AI companies is skyrocketing, going far and beyond what the manufacturers can keep up with.
As Mashable previously reported, Micron has warned that RAM shortages could last into 2028. In February, hard drive manufacturer Western Digital shared that its “top 7 customers” had bought out all of its storage supply for the year. In addition, the company said that these companies were already buying up its supply into 2028.
As a result of AI-driven shortages, consumer products have skyrocketed in price. Apple recently raised the price of its MacBooks by as much as $500. Gaming companies have also struggled with the shortages. Microsoft recently raised Xbox gaming console prices by as much as $150.
Recent leaks suggest that Sony will either have to sell its upcoming PlayStation 6 console at a minimum of $960 or push the launch date back into 2028 or even beyond that.
In short, RAMaggedon is well and truly here.
Topics
Artificial Intelligence
