📈 RAM Prices Jump 60–70% in Early 2026

Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which together control approximately 70% of the global DRAM market, have informed major customers that server memory prices are expected to rise by 60–70% in the first quarter of 2026. Both companies are shifting away from long-term contracts and transitioning to quarterly pricing, anticipating that prices will continue to rise through 2027.

The increase—which has been building for more than a year—is being driven by surging demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) used in AI servers. To capitalize on higher margins, manufacturers are redirecting production capacity from standard DRAM to HBM.

The impact won't be limited to servers and PCs. Higher memory costs are expected to push up prices for smartphones and a wide range of consumer electronics. Industry insiders say console makers are even discussing delaying the next-generation PlayStation and Xbox due to rising component costs.

Gamers are effectively paying an "AI tax." Is it worth it?

❤️ — Yes, progress comes at a price
🎃 — No, the AI bubble is making everything worse