Looking to buy a new laptop in 2026? It could set you back more than you might think due to the rising cost of RAM. RAM, or random access memory, is the real-time memory that devices use to make apps and tools work efficiently on your computers, tablets, and smartphones. A sudden surge in demand for RAM, combined with ongoing global supply chain issues, has resulted in consumers paying through the nose for new devices.
So, why is RAM so expensive all of a sudden? Let’s take a closer look.
Why Is RAM So Expensive: AI Data Centers
The primary culprit for the climbing cost of RAM is the rapid expansion of AI data centers. AI-powered tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini require huge data centers to process the massive volumes of big data they handle every day.
These data centers utilize a type of memory for storage called NAND, short for Not-And. It’s the same type of memory that’s used in flash drives and other data storage solutions. AI requires enormous amounts of storage capability, so NAND is highly in demand and becoming more expensive. But if data centers are eating up NAND, then why is DDR4 RAM so expensive? For that matter, why is DDR5 RAM so expensive compared to this time last year?
It’s because data centers also require exponentially expanding resources of RAM as well as storage space for the information they’re handling. Without powerful banks of RAM, AI tools cannot effectively respond to the prompts and queries sent by users all over the world.
The Impact of Soaring RAM Costs
As well as driving the cost of RAM via increased demand, AI companies are devouring the world’s current stocks of RAM faster than manufacturers can produce it. These shortages mean suppliers can now charge a premium for their limited stocks. Add to that pre-existing supply chain issues caused by geopolitical situations and raw materials shortages, and consumers could be paying the price for a long time.
Samsung, a major manufacturer of memory, has recently doubled the price of DDR5 RAM. Other suppliers are following suit. Consumer electronics brands may be tempted to panic buy, to grab stocks while they last, so they can produce devices at a volume expected by their customers. The potential impacts include:
- More expensive laptops, Macs, and other computers – one PC manufacturer has already stated that it will have to raise prices by 50%
- More difficulties sourcing RAM for upgrading computers
- Escalating costs for smartphones, tablets, and other devices that use both RAM and NAND
- Shortages on the shelves of various devices
Tech-savvy consumers who want to upgrade their laptop or desktop PC will struggle to source RAM that’s comfortably within their budget. This might mean opting for 8GB RAM instead of 16GB; in other words, working at a minimum setup rather than the recommended tech specs for running an operating system.
With some tech manufacturers estimating that each AI data center uses the same amount of RAM as a million laptops, consumers can expect prices to continue to rise for the foreseeable future.
