A severe PC memory shortage has prompted some retailers to adopt a “market price” model, selling RAM like a daily commodity rather than a fixed-price component.
Retailers like the San Francisco Bay Area’s Central Computers and national chain Micro Center have posted notices in their stores, informing customers that prices are no longer fixed. “Costs are fluctuating daily as manufacturers and distributors adjust to limited supply and high demand,” one sign reads, asking shoppers to consult a sales associate for the current price.
The impact on affordability is significant and rapid. For example, a 32GB DDR5 memory kit that sold for $130 just three months ago has since tripled in price to $440. Other popular kits have surged from $105 to $400 since October. Today, while some 32GB kits are available for around $230, 64GB kits can command prices between $700 and $900.
This RAM crunch is not only affecting PC builders but also threatens to drive up costs for a wide range of electronics, from smartphones to gaming consoles. The volatility is already impacting new product launches; Valve has cited the memory shortage as a reason it cannot set a final price for its upcoming Steam Machine. Furthermore, there are industry concerns that Microsoft may have to raise the price of its Xbox consoles, though Sony is reportedly insulated for now due to having stockpiled RAM for the PlayStation 5.
According to Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney, the problem stems from the demand for AI development. He stated that “factories are diverting leading-edge DRAM capacity to meet AI needs where data centers are bidding far higher than consumer device makers.” Sweeney warned that the high-end gaming market could take years to recover from the shortage.
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