
TL;DR
Memory prices have skyrocketed, with DDR5 kits increasing by nearly 500% in just one year, leading to a significant impact on PC builders. DDR4 memory prices are also rising due to the fallout from the DDR5 market.
✦ Why It Matters
Consider purchasing memory now before prices potentially rise further due to ongoing demand.
Key Takeaways
Full Summary
In the past year, the cost of DDR5 memory has skyrocketed, with average prices for high-capacity kits rising nearly 500%. For example, a 64GB DDR5-5600 kit that cost under $200 last summer now exceeds $1,100.
This surge is driven by intense demand from AI datacenter expansions, which has led hyperscale buyers to secure nearly all global DRAM production for 2027. As a result, older DDR4 memory kits are also experiencing price increases of 120% to 180%.
The situation is not limited to the U.S.; European RAM prices have risen by 345% in the same timeframe. Experts predict that without a significant contraction in the AI market, high memory prices will persist, potentially lasting until 2030.
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