RAM Prices Surge 5x in a Year: DDR5-128GB Now Costs $3,400

The RAM market is facing record-breaking price increases, with DDR5 costs rising 5-10 times over the past 12 months. For instance, a 128GB DDR5-6400 kit has surged from $329 to $3,399, while 32GB DDR5-6000 modules have jumped from $72 to $1,272. Even DDR4, once considered a more affordable alternative, has seen prices increase by 120-180%.

The main cause of this crisis is the explosive demand for chips from data centers deploying AI infrastructure. Hyperscalers have already reserved nearly all production capacities through 2027, paying advances to manufacturers. As a result, the consumer market is left with a shortage, and the cost of DRAM by weight is approaching that of gold.

The situation is further aggravated by the production of High Bandwidth Memory (HBM), which is critical for AI accelerators and requires more DRAM layers, reducing the output of standard chips. Executives from SK hynix and ADATA predict the shortage will persist until 2030, with ADATA’s CEO even suggesting the crisis could last a decade.

Experts note that a price drop is only possible if AI solution demand declines sharply, which is unlikely in the coming years. For now, PC builders and enthusiasts are left with the choice of paying inflated prices or delaying upgrades.