Memory Market Stabilizes Amid Persistent RAM Shortage

In early 2026, RAM prices have stabilized at elevated levels after months of sharp increases driven by AI demand and supply shifts. DRAM and NAND prices have more than doubled since late 2025, with 64GB DDR5 kits rising from about $200 to roughly $500, and analysts forecasting further increases into 2026. The squeeze forces device downgrades, procurement changes, and prolonged consumer pullback.
Key Points
- 1Reports show DRAM and NAND prices doubled since late 2025, stabilizing at high levels.
- 2AI demand and HBM prioritization are diverting fab capacity, creating structural undersupply for consumer memory.
- 3Enterprises and consumers face higher costs and downgrades; procurement shifts to bulk contracts and alternatives.
Scoring Rationale
Strong industry-wide implications and credible sources, but limited novelty as the trend extends the 2025 memory cycle.
Sources
Public references used for this report.
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