Recent reports indicate a significant increase in RAM prices, prompting retailers such as Central Computers in the San Francisco Bay Area to sell memory at fluctuating market rates. A notice in this store explains the changes, stating, “Costs are fluctuating daily as manufacturers and distributors adjust to limited supply and high demand,” highlighting the lack of fixed prices. Similarly, Micro Center has implemented a policy advising customers to consult a sales associate for current prices due to market volatility.
The ongoing RAM shortage raises concerns about the affordability of computers and could potentially affect other devices reliant on RAM, including gaming consoles and smartphones. Prices of specific RAM kits have surged dramatically; for instance, a 32GB memory kit that was purchased for $130 just three months ago is now priced at approximately $440. While some 32GB kits are still available for around $230, 64GB DDR5 kits are reported to be priced between $700 and $900.
The impact of these price increases may extend to gaming consoles, with speculation that Microsoft may need to adjust Xbox prices higher. In contrast, reports suggest that Sony has sufficient RAM supplies for the PS5 to endure in the near term. Additionally, industry leaders like Epic CEO Tim Sweeney have expressed concern that high-end gaming might take years to recover from the RAM crisis, particularly due to the prioritization of DRAM capacity for AI applications over consumer electronics.
Current market trends reflect the complexities affecting the RAM supply chain and raises questions about how long the situation will persist and its broader implications for the technology market.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/828337/ram-memory-shortage-crunch-market-prices-central-micro-center