RAM, once an affordable PC component, is set for substantial price increases. What cost just over 100 euros for 32GB a few years ago now demands over 220 euros for the same capacity of DDR5 memory, and the trend is not stopping. Further price hikes are anticipated for the remainder of 2026, with an estimated increase of nearly double current prices between Q3 and Q4.
Purchasing a new PC is currently ill-advised unless absolutely essential for daily use. If you have an older but functional computer, it’s recommended to hold on and upgrade when prices for components like RAM and SSDs normalize. Graphics cards, despite more expensive VRAM, have not seen such dramatic price escalations. Other components remain relatively stable, making it a good time to consider upgrades for them.
RAM Prices to Jump 40-50% in Q3 2026 and 30-40% in Q4 2026
While the exact timing of price decreases remains uncertain, continued increases are a near certainty. This surge is driven by the ever-growing demand for AI, which is outstripping production capacity and available stock, creating a scarcity situation. Experts from memory manufacturers like SK Hynix and analysts predict a potential return to normalcy by 2028. However, significant price hikes are expected throughout 2026, with a projected +50% increase in Q3 2026 and a further +40% in Q4 2026.
This outlook comes from Jefferies Equity Research, which forecasts a sequential increase of 40-50% followed by 30-40%. If these predictions hold true, we could see the cost of 32GB of RAM approach 400 euros, effectively doubling current prices.
45% Increase Expected in 2027, with a 15-20% Price Drop Anticipated in 2028
Unfortunately, price increases are projected to continue into 2027, though at a less aggressive rate, with an expected year-on-year rise of 40-45%. The year 2028 may finally bring a shift with the introduction of the new DDR6 memory standard. This transition is expected to lead to a market shift, with consumers and businesses drawn to the newer technology, potentially making DDR5 more affordable.
Furthermore, Chinese companies like CXMT and YMTC are anticipated to expand their production lines and capacity, leading to an estimated 15-20% increase in supply in 2028. This could result in sufficient stock to meet international demand. It’s important to note that these are forecasts, and the actual outcome will depend on various factors, including the continued evolution of the AI sector, which has been the primary driver of these price hikes.
English Translation:
RAM, once considered one of the cheapest PC components, with 32GB costing just over 100 euros a few years ago and half that being sufficient for gaming and general use, is now seeing its prices soar. Currently, 32GB of DDR5 RAM can cost more than double, reaching around 220 euros, and this trend is far from over. Further price increases are expected for the remainder of 2026, with prices nearly doubling what they are now between Q3 (third quarter) and Q4 (fourth quarter).
Buying a PC right now is a bad idea unless it’s an absolute necessity for your daily life. If you have an older computer that is still functioning, the best course of action is to keep using it for as long as possible and wait to upgrade when prices for components like RAM and SSDs return to more normal levels. Graphics cards, in general, have not seen such significant price increases despite VRAM also becoming more expensive. Other parts are more or less stable, so it’s a good time to consider upgrading them.
RAM Prices to Jump 40-50% in Q3 2026 and 30-40% in Q4 2026
As we don’t know what the future holds, it’s unclear when prices will decrease, but it’s certain that they will continue to rise. This comes as no surprise, as the ever-increasing demand for AI, which surpasses production capacity and available stock (the supply of memory), will continue to drive prices up due to scarcity. It seems this cycle may not end soon, but memory manufacturers like SK Hynix and analysts believe that this situation could be resolved by 2028, leading to a return to normalcy. While we can’t be sure if this will happen, significant price increases are expected throughout 2026, starting with a +50% rise in Q3 2026 and concluding the year with a +40% increase in Q4 2026.
This information originates from Jefferies Equity Research, which forecasts price increases of 40-50% initially, followed by 30-40%. Taking the higher end of these estimates brings us close to a 100% increase, meaning paying double the current price. If this prediction materializes, prepare to pay around 400 euros for 32GB of RAM, as prices are likely to reach that level.
A 45% Increase Expected in 2027, with a 15-20% Price Drop Anticipated in 2028
Unfortunately, price increases are expected to continue into 2027, although they won’t be as significant as in 2026, with an expected year-on-year increase of 40-45%. In 2028, we are likely to see a new memory standard with DDR6, which will trigger a market transition. This will likely see companies and users eager to acquire the latest technology, which should, in turn, make DDR5 more affordable.
Additionally, Chinese companies like CXMT and YMTC are expected to have new production lines and increased manufacturing capacity ready. A 15-20% growth in supply is anticipated in 2028, with China expected to secure enough stock to supply the international market. All of this is based on forecasts, and no one knows exactly what will happen, as it also depends on the evolution of the AI sector, which initiated these price hikes.
