In recent months, the demand for artificial intelligence tasks has skyrocketed, as this technology is being introduced into all kinds of devices beyond PCs and smartphones. This has also led to a high demand for related hardware, with chip manufacturers focusing almost entirely on meeting the huge demand for GPU accelerators.
However, another major component affected is RAM memory, which has seen its price multiply compared to last year.
RAM Prices Have Multiplied Compared to Last Year
Recent reports from CTEE indicate that RAM prices have increased by 171.8% year over year. This rise impacts overall costs since RAM is an essential component in both servers and home computers.
In recent days, RAM modules have seen another price jump, mainly due to shortages caused by AI-related production demands. As a result, this valuable component continues to increase in price as demand grows.
But what does AI have to do with all this? Currently, memory production is focused on meeting the high demand generated by AI technology, from HBM memory used in accelerators to server modules of all formats. This shift leaves less production capacity for consumer RAM, leading to shortages and higher prices.
Manufacturers Struggle to Meet Demand
This situation worsens as major RAM manufacturers in South Korea can only fulfill around 70% of total orders. This shortage has nearly doubled DDR5 chip prices, from $7 about six weeks ago to $13 today.
Prebuilt system manufacturers are also affected, receiving only around 40% of their requested supplies, leading to price increases and product launch delays due to the lack of available memory.
As the fourth quarter of 2025 begins, a rising price trend is expected to continue due to ongoing memory shortages.
