In early 2026, RAM prices are projected to soar by 60–70%, as revealed by Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, who dominate nearly 70% of the global DRAM market. The two firms have notified their key clients that they are moving away from long-term agreements in favor of quarterly pricing, anticipating a continuous rise in costs that could extend into 2027. This surge, which has been developing over the past year, is primarily fueled by an escalating demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) utilized in AI servers. To take advantage of increased profit margins, manufacturers are reallocating their production resources from standard DRAM to HBM. The repercussions of this price hike will extend beyond servers and personal computers; consumers can expect higher prices for smartphones and various electronic devices. Industry experts indicate that video game console manufacturers are even contemplating postponing the release of the next-generation PlayStation and Xbox due to the escalating costs of components. Gamers are essentially encountering what some are calling an "AI tax." The question remains: is this cost justified?
Informational material. 18+.
