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Over the past few years, we’ve grown accustomed to steady improvements in computing performance without major jumps in device pricing. But that trend has reversed sharply. As we move through 2025 and into 2026, RAM costs have surged, and the impact on laptops, desktops, and workstations is unavoidable.  This blog breaks down why RAM is so expensive, how much it will likely   add to system prices, and how long these increases may last.

AI data center demand is consuming global DRAM supply

The biggest driver behind the RAM cost explosion is the surge in AI data center build‑outs. High-bandwidth memory (HBM) and advanced DRAM are essential for training and running modern AI models. Industry reports show:

• AI data centers are straining memory supply, causing DRAM shortages and pushing up prices.
• Manufacturers are reallocating their capacity toward high‑margin HBM for AI, leaving less for consumer RAM.

Manufacturers are deliberately restricting production

After years of oversupply, DRAM vendors reduced output to regain profitability. Supply cuts—combined with rising demand—inevitably raise prices.

• DRAM manufacturers have scaled back capacity despite rising demand to stabilize margins.

Memory costs have doubled—and may keep rising

Real-world production and market data show:

• Common DRAM prices are up 50% this quarter, with expectations of another 40% increase soon.
• DDR5 prices jumped 70% year-over-year, with some parts up as much as 170%.
• Contract DRAM prices for DDR5 chips rose from $6.84 to $27.20 in Q4 2025.

These are massive moves for a commodity component that used to get cheaper every year.

How Much This Increases Laptop and Desktop Costs

Major PC manufacturers (Dell, Lenovo, HP, Acer, Asus) are forecasting:

• 15–20% price increases starting in mid‑2026. [techradar.com]
• Dell is already preparing for 15–20% price hikes as early as December 2025. [trustedreviews.com]

According to industry analysis:

• A laptop with 16GB RAM may cost an extra $40–$50 to produce due to memory cost spikes. [finance-monthly.com]

This cost is passed directly to consumers, and in some cases amplified through retail margins.

Why relief is slow

• Memory fabs take years to build and certify.
• HBM production is absorbing the bulk of new investment.
• Consumer DRAM (DDR4/DDR5) remains a lower-margin priority for manufacturers.

This means even if demand cools slightly, supply will remain tight for years.

What This Means for Buyers in 2026

• Higher prices across nearly all laptops and desktops
• Larger price jumps on higher‑RAM configurations (16GB, 32GB, 64GB)
• Slower device refresh cycles due to budgets being stretched
• AI PC requirements driving even more RAM demand
• Limited availability of cheaper DDR4 options as manufacturers pivot fully to DDR5 [intuitionlabs.ai]

With multiple sources showing continuing price hikes across 2026 and no relief until 2027/2028, buying earlier is likely the safer financial choice.

The surge in RAM prices isn’t a temporary blip—it’s a structural shift driven by AI demand, supply constraints, and manufacturing transitions. For the next 18–30 months, buyers should prepare for elevated costs on laptops, desktops, workstations, and even smartphones.

Rough estimate: Expect 15–20% higher PC prices throughout 2026, with elevated costs continuing into 2027+.

If you’ve been considering a hardware refresh, it may be wise to act sooner rather than later.