RAM Prices Are Out of Control: Here’s What’s Happening

Remember when upgrading your PC to 32GB of DDR5 RAM was affordable? Not anymore. That same upgrade now costs $250 to $300, and it’s only January 2026.

This isn’t just random market fluctuation. AI is devouring memory at an unprecedented rate, and it’s turning the industry upside down.

How Quickly Did Prices Rise?

In early 2025, things were still reasonable. DDR5 wasn’t exactly cheap, but it was within reach — gamers, developers, and PC builders could manage an upgrade. Then AI demand exploded, and by mid-2025, prices skyrocketed. Suppliers struggled to keep up, inventory vanished, and DRAM prices surged.

Now, at the start of 2026, here’s where things stand:

16GB DDR5 modules are selling for $27 to $30 each

64GB DDR5 kits? Finding one under $150 is nearly impossible

For many, adding more RAM now costs more than buying a new PlayStation 5.

Why Is Upgrading So Expensive?

The industry has shifted focus. AI workloads require high-speed, high-bandwidth memory — mainly HBM — so manufacturers have retooled factories to produce more of it. Standard DDR5 is harder to come by, and DDR4 is slowly fading away.

Even older DDR4 kits aren’t much of a deal anymore. Consumer supply keeps shrinking, while data centers keep snapping up more.

Analysts are sounding the alarm: don’t count on prices dropping soon. Firms like TrendForce predict these high prices will likely persist through late 2026 or even into 2027.

Hoping for Cheaper RAM? Don’t Count on It

The outlook isn’t positive in the near term. DRAM and NAND contract prices have already risen, AI investment is still accelerating, and new chip fabs won’t make a difference for a few more years.

For now, your best option is to look for bundle deals or hardware combos if you need to upgrade.

Quick Tip : Still using DDR4? Hold onto it. For most users, regular tasks and development work don’t really benefit much from DDR5’s speed — and you’ll save money by waiting this out.

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