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Many users still do not understand how RAM prices have doubled or even tripled, to the point where upgrading to options like 32 GB of RAM can cost as much as modern graphics cards, such as the RTX 5050. However, this is not simply because RAM has become more expensive for no reason. What has really changed is the target market that manufacturers are focusing on.
Servers and AI training are the main issue
Six years ago, AI was basically invisible to most people, especially everything related to neural networks, image generators, video generators, text generators, and all the technologies that are popular today.
Training these advanced models requires an incredibly large amount of resources, so much so that there simply are not enough resources to supply both gamers and companies training AI models without affecting prices. And as you know, even if demand increases, supply cannot adjust at the same pace. Companies like Google, OpenAI, Microsoft, and others pay far more for RAM than regular consumers.
This is essentially the main reason why RAM prices have risen so much. You might think there are many RAM manufacturers, but the reality is that there is one critical part of RAM that only three major companies produce: the memory chips.
After doing some research, it turns out that only Samsung (South Korea), SK hynix (South Korea), and Micron (United States) manufacture close to 90 percent of all RAM chips. The brands you usually see in online stores like Amazon are mostly assemblers, which is very different from being actual manufacturers.
This led me to ask, “Why aren’t there more chip manufacturers?” The answer is simple. Building these factories costs billions of dollars, so apparently no serious company is willing to take that risk.
When will RAM prices go down?
Unfortunately, it does not seem like it will happen anytime soon. Major breakthroughs in AI are only just beginning. After researching this in depth, it would be unrealistic to expect a significant price drop for at least the next two years. To be honest, I would even dare to say that by 2030 prices could be very similar to current ones, mainly because more and more RAM is required to train new AI models.
Our recommendation
If you were waiting for a significant price drop in the coming months, do not wait, because it is very unlikely to happen.
If you are looking for RAM options with better prices, you can consider these two on Amazon, both available in different capacities:
We are influencers and brand affiliates. This post contains affiliate links, most which go to Amazon and are Geo-Affiliate links to nearest Amazon store.
My name is Joel! I love to read, I go to university like most people my age.
In my free time I usually train boxing, I love music, I also know how to play the guitar and the harmonica.