The RAM market is going crazy and prices are rising faster than many gamers can upgrade.
The memory market is currently experiencing a price explosion. Anyone looking to upgrade their gaming PC will quickly notice how much costs have risen in recent months, and the reason is clear: huge demand from AI systems and data centers.
Explosion In RAM Prices
Since the beginning of November, prices for DDR5 RAM have risen by up to 250 percent. A 32 GB kit that used to cost less than $100 now often costs more than three times as much. The reason for this is the massive demand from AI infrastructures. Companies and cloud providers are buying large quantities of DRAM and high-performance memory to run AI models. This leaves significantly less for us gamers. In addition, many manufacturers had previously reduced DRAM production because demand was low. Now there is a lack of capacity to meet the new demand, which further exacerbates the bottleneck.
| PC Memory | Price Beginning of November | Price End of November | In Percent |
| 16GB T-Force | $77.99 | $177.99 | 128.2% |
| 16GB Kingston Fury | $62.99 | $149.99 | 138.1% |
| 32GB T-Force | $96.99 | $339.99 | 250.5% |
| 32GB G.Skill Flare X5 | $97.99 | $269.99 | 175.5% |
| 32GB Corsair Vengeance | $142.99 | $406.99 | 184.6% |
| 32GB G.Skill Trident Z5 NEO | $104.99 | $279.99 | 166.7% |
| 64GB Corsair Vengeance | $239.99 | $839.99 | 250% |
| 64GB G.Skill Trident Z5 NEO | $204.99 | $629.99 | 207.3% |
| 64GB G.Skill Flare X5 | $204.99 | $569.99 | 178% |
No Quick Relief In Sight
PC builders and gamers are feeling the price shock the most. Even simple 16 GB kits currently cost significantly more. Larger sets with 32 GB or 64 GB are now so expensive that they sometimes cost more than a console. Ready-made PC suppliers and retailers are also having to increase their prices, which is causing the entire market to rise. Manufacturers are currently focusing heavily on memory for AI and server environments. DDR5 production is complex and cannot be ramped up in the short term. Even if demand eventually declines, it will take a long time for prices to return to normal.
Anyone planning an upgrade soon should be prepared for high costs. RAM is currently a real luxury product. Think carefully about whether you really need to upgrade now, or whether your system can hold out a little longer.
How do you feel about the price development? Are you still planning to upgrade, or would you rather wait and see? Share your opinion in the comments.