As memory shortages continue to plague the tech industry, prices are inevitably on the rise. Framework, a company recognized for its modular computing products, recently announced an upcoming increase in its memory pricing. However, the company assures consumers that the adjustments will not reach the exorbitant levels seen with some competitors.
Impact of Memory Price Hikes Across the Industry
The ongoing DRAM shortages have compelled many companies to hike memory prices to manage inventory and maintain profit margins. Notably, brands like Adata, Corsair, and G.Skill have already increased the prices of their RAM modules. Reports suggest that tech giants such as Apple, Dell, and Lenovo are also preparing to adjust their pricing. In contrast, Framework has pledged that its price rise will be more modest compared to others.
Comparative Memory Upgrade Costs
A discussion initiated by @VadimYuryev highlighted the staggering costs of memory upgrades in Dell’s XPS 13 laptop, where upgrading from 16 GB to 32 GB costs $550. In contrast, Framework offers a similar upgrade for just $80. Despite Dell’s significant market presence necessitating a larger inventory, the price difference is stark. Framework’s commitment to reasonable pricing stands out amid a landscape of rising costs.
The Broader Context of Memory Pricing
The memory price surge extends beyond common consumer electronics. For instance, Asgard’s 192 GB DDR5 memory kit is priced at $1,200, while their 256 GB kit matches the cost of NVIDIA’s RTX 5090. These examples underscore the severe impact of the shortages, with major manufacturers like Apple and Lenovo expected to react accordingly. Despite investments in DRAM production geared towards the AI sector, substantial improvements aren’t anticipated before late 2026.