RAM and SSD prices are rising—what does this mean for buyers?
RAM and SSD prices are rising—what does this mean for buyers?
Growing RAM prices and SSDs are one of the hottest topics in the hardware market in mid-2026. There’s one reason for this: artificial intelligence. Data centers consume a huge portion of global memory chip production, and when demand collides with tight supply, prices go up.
Data from manufacturers clearly illustrate the scale of this phenomenon. In its latest report, Micron stated that DRAM prices rose by about 60 percent quarter-over-quarter, while NAND chips—which are the basis for SSDs—rose by nearly 80 percent. The manufacturer’s next quarterly report is due on June 24 and is being closely watched by the entire market.
The most critical link in the chain is HBM memory, used in AI accelerators. Micron announced that its HBM production capacity for 2026 is already fully booked, and the tight supply situation in the DRAM and NAND segments may continue beyond 2026. Manufacturers are prioritizing capacity for data centers, leaving fewer chips available for the consumer market.
The impact is already visible in finished devices. Microsoft, when unveiling its new Surface models, raised prices by more than half and attributed this to a shortage of components. Apple CEO Tim Cook, meanwhile, warned of significantly higher memory costs in the coming months. These are signs that price pressure from chip manufacturers is being passed on to the hardware that ends up on store shelves.
Memory market analysts agree on this point: as long as artificial intelligence accounts for the majority of chip production, the pressure on DRAM and NAND prices is unlikely to disappear overnight. TrendForce forecasts a 58–63 percent increase in DRAM prices in the second quarter of 2026, while Gartner estimates that NAND prices could rise by as much as over 200 percent for the entire year. However, these are forecasts that the market may still prove right or wrong.
- RAM and SSDs are among the components most affected by the current rise in chip prices.
- Price increases by chip manufacturers may eventually lead to higher prices for RAM modules, SSDs, and ready-to-use laptops and computers.
- Availability may be limited in some cases, as manufacturers are directing their production capacity primarily to data centers.
- When making a purchase, it’s important to consider your actual needs—such as adequate RAM and SSD capacity—rather than just the current market conditions.