The year 2025 seemed to be closing on a hopeful note for the PC industry, with advancements in CPUs and GPUs across the board. However, as the fourth quarter unfolded, significant challenges emerged for gamers, primarily driven by a new AI boom. This shift has thrust the industry into what many are calling a ‘DRAM supercycle,’ leading to large-scale memory shortages.
AI’s Impact on Global DRAM Shortage in 2025
The AI industry is hungry for computing power, prompting manufacturers like NVIDIA and AMD to work tirelessly to meet this demand. A crucial aspect of this drive is the enhancement of architectures, including high-bandwidth memory (HBM), essential for storing model weights in advanced models like GPT-5.2. The result? HBM has become a major consumer of DRAM, requiring up to three times the wafer capacity compared to DDR5, and its complex packaging leads to lower yields. This high demand for HBM is a primary driver of the current DRAM shortages.
Manufacturers, therefore, focus heavily on HBM technology, from HBM3 to the upcoming HBM4/4E, as providing for AI customers is profitable amid soaring contract prices. Additionally, data centers are also demanding more DRAM products like DDR5 RDIMMs, further straining supply chains. Analysts predict that by 2026, AI could consume 20% of total DRAM production.
Rising Prices: How PC Manufacturers Are Responding
With DRAM production heavily constrained, PC manufacturers face challenges in securing necessary memory components. Lenovo, for example, has been dependent on its DRAM inventory to stabilize prices but anticipates future shortages will force price hikes. Reports indicate Dell plans to significantly raise hardware prices, with costs for high-memory configurations notably increasing. Here’s a glimpse of the expected price changes:
- $130–$230 increase for Dell Pro and Pro Max notebooks and desktops configured with 32 GB of memory
- $520–$765 increase for systems configured with 128 GB of memory
- $55–$135 increase for configurations with a 1 TB SSD
- $66 increase for AI laptops equipped with an NVIDIA RTX PRO 500 Blackwell GPU (6 GB)
- $530 increase for AI laptops equipped with an NVIDIA RTX PRO 500 Blackwell GPU (24 GB)
Other companies like ASUS and Acer also plan to adjust pricing in response to memory shortages, indicating a widespread trend. Additionally, smaller manufacturers such as Framework are contemplating RAM upgrade cost increases.
MAINGEAR’s CEO, Wallace Santos, has advised consumers not to delay PC upgrades, as the memory shortage situation may worsen in 2026. Market research suggests memory prices will significantly impact the PC industry, with a shipment decline of 4.9% anticipated next year. Manufacturers have three options: raise prices, modify configurations, or delay product launches.
Strategies for Gamers During the DRAM Shortage
For PC gamers, navigating the current memory shortage requires strategic thinking. Avoid rushing into RAM upgrades due to fear of missing out, especially if you’re currently running 8 GB or 16 GB modules. Hold off on unnecessary upgrades to avoid paying inflated prices. Pre-built PCs may offer better value for those seeking complete systems, as they have yet to reflect memory shortages. Large OEMs provide appealing options with decent configurations, which could be worth considering for gamers not focused on custom builds.
If neither option suits your needs, consider exploring the used DDR5/DDR4 memory markets. RAM is generally durable, making it a viable option. However, with the increased awareness of memory shortages, finding a bargain might be challenging.
Conclusion: Navigating Through AI-Driven Challenges
Memory shortages might last until 2027 or 2028, with supply chain volatility influencing predictions. Companies like SK hynix are working to expand production capacity, but new facilities will take time to impact the market. This hub page will keep you updated on the situation, helping you make informed decisions during these challenging times.