The AI boom has driven DDR5 prices sky-high in 2026. Here's what it means for your PC build and why waiting might be the only sane option.
If you’ve tried to shop for DDR5 RAM in 2026, you’ve likely felt a mix of frustration and existential dread. Prices have surged due to AI-driven demand, with memory that cost around £95 in mid-2025 now selling for over £184. Framework, a popular modular PC brand, raised DDR5 upgrade prices by 50%, and Samsung has paused new DDR5 orders to reassess pricing. This is the reality of the RAM crisis in 2026.
The AI Boom and the RAM Shortage
The current RAM crisis is not a random fluctuation — it’s a direct result of the AI industry’s insatiable appetite for memory. Companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google are building massive data centers to power AI models, and they’re consuming nearly all available DRAM. SK Hynix has sold out of DRAM, HBM, and NAND through 2026, and Samsung has halted new DDR5 orders. OpenAI’s Stargate Project alone is reported to use up to 40% of global DRAM output.
This isn’t just a problem for hardcore PC builders. Casual gamers and streamers are also feeling the pinch. A 32GB DDR5 kit that was once a budget-friendly option now costs nearly double what it did just a year ago. For many, the only sane option left is to wait — and maybe consider therapy.
Confirmed vs. Speculative
What we know for sure is that DDR5 prices have risen dramatically, with some 64GB kits jumping from £150 to over £400. Samsung and SK Hynix have confirmed production shifts toward AI infrastructure, and Micron has exited the consumer memory market entirely. What remains speculative is when prices will stabilize. Analysts suggest 2027 could bring relief, but this depends on how long AI demand remains high.
Why This Matters for Gamers and Streamers
For gamers and streamers, the RAM crisis has real-world consequences. If you're building a new system, DDR5 is required for Intel 12th gen and AMD Ryzen 7000 platforms. But if you're upgrading an older system, DDR4 might be a more practical and cost-effective option. DDR4 is cheaper and offers more capacity for the same price, which is especially useful if you're running multiple applications alongside your games.
