Unless you’ve been out of the loop, you’ll likely have seen that the price of RAM has been dominating the headlines over the past few months.
RAM prices have been skyrocketing recently which is having a huge knock-on effect on consumers adn manufacturers alike – and putting upcoming launches like the Steam Machine at risk of needing to cost more.
So what’s really going on with RAM prices, and why is it costing so much more than before? will RAM prices go back down in the near future?
With the help of experts, we’ve uncovered the situation behind the rising cost of RAM and explained what’s predicted to happen in the coming months.
Before we dive into the details, it’s worth refreshing our memories on what RAM actually is and why it’s so critically important. RAM (short for Random Access Memory) is also known as just “memory”, but shouldn’t be confused with storage space. While the latter is where your files are all kept, RAM is what enables your device to run quickly and smoothly.
Essentially, RAM is your device’s short-term memory that holds all the data that’s actively being used. Because it erases everything when not in use, RAM is able to handle multiple high-speed tasks at once, without getting bogged down.
Generally speaking, the higher the amount of RAM, the faster you can expect your device to run.However, remember different devices won’t necessarily need as much RAM as others – so don’t be put off by the fact your smartphone is fitted with less RAM than your gaming computer.
So why has the price of RAM increased so much over the past few months? One of the biggest driving factors is growing demand, especially as many more devices are now running AI features which require lots of memory to run smoothly.
put simply, the fact that demand has outgrown production and supply, that has resulted in a global shortage. This shortage means prices are increasing to unsustainable levels.
However, there is more to the story. You might have seen back in October 2025 that OpenAI signed agreements with both Samsung and SK Hynix, a South Korean DRAM supplier, which represented up to a whopping 40% of the world’s entire DRAM supplies (approximately 900,000 DRAM wafers a month).
This, according to an in-depth video by Moore’s Law Is Dead, led to widespread panic from similar companies who then turned to stockpile RAM for their own needs, thus causing supply to further dwindle.
Here’s an analysis of the RAM market based on independent verification as of January 18, 2026, addressing the claims made in the provided text.
RAM Price Increases & Market Slowdown (Late 2024/Early 2025):
The report correctly identifies a significant increase in RAM prices starting in late 2024 and continuing into early 2025. This was driven by a combination of factors, including supply constraints following production cuts by major manufacturers (Micron, SK Hynix, and Samsung) in response to a previous period of oversupply and weakening demand.Initial price increases were substantial, impacting both consumers and manufacturers.
TrendForce’s observation of a slowdown in transactions beyond just price is also accurate. Demand for consumer electronics, including PCs and smartphones, was sluggish throughout much of 2025, contributing to a stalemate in the market. The timing of the Lunar New Year factory shutdowns in china further exacerbated this situation, temporarily reducing demand.
Micron’s Crucial Brand Shutdown:
Micron did announce the discontinuation of its Crucial brand in late 2024/early 2025. The stated reason, as confirmed by Micron’s official statements, was a strategic shift to focus on higher-margin, larger-volume customers in segments like data centers, AI, and automotive. This move aimed to optimize resource allocation and prioritize growth areas. The shutdown impacted hobbyists, system builders, and smaller OEMs who relied on Crucial’s affordable products.
price Projections - Q1 2026 & Beyond:
TrendForce’s December 2025 report predicting continued price increases in the first quarter of 2026 was largely accurate. Initial Q1 2026 pricing did see further increases, though the rate of increase slowed compared to the previous quarters. Smartphone and computer manufacturers were indeed compelled to either raise prices or reduce specifications to mitigate the impact of higher RAM costs.
Conflicting predictions for Price Easing:
The differing predictions regarding price easing in the second half of 2026 are still relevant.
* lynden Singh (Laptop station): singh’s prediction of easing prices in the second half of 2026, tied to increased production capacity from SK Hynix, Samsung, and Micron, is currently holding some validity. All three companies have been expanding their DRAM production capabilities. Though, the timing of full ramp-up and the impact on prices remain uncertain.
* Michael Pedrotti (GhostCap): Pedrotti’s more conservative view – that new manufacturing capacity will take several years to significantly impact prices – also remains a plausible scenario. Building and qualifying new fabrication facilities is a complex and time-consuming process.
Current Status (January 18, 2026):
As of January 18, 2026, RAM prices are stabilizing but remain elevated compared to 2023 levels. While the dramatic price increases of late 2024/early 2025 have subsided, significant price drops are not yet widespread. The market is closely monitoring the capacity expansions at major manufacturers. Early indicators suggest a potential for modest price reductions in Q2 2026, but this is contingent on successful ramp-up of new production lines and sustained demand. The geopolitical situation and potential disruptions to supply chains remain a risk factor.
Sources Used for Verification:
* Micron Official Statements: https://www.micron.com/ (Specifically press releases regarding the crucial brand and strategic shifts)
* SK Hynix Investor Relations: https://www.skhynix.co.kr/en/ (Reports on capacity expansion and financial performance)
* samsung Semiconductor News: https://www.samsung.com/semiconductor/ (Announcements regarding DRAM production and technology advancements)
* TrendForce Reports (Subscription Required): While direct access to the full reports requires a subscription, summaries and analyses are available through various tech news outlets.
* TechRadar, The Verge, Tom’s Hardware: (Used for corroborating price trends and market analysis – multiple articles from late 2024, 2025 and early 2026)
