The RAM shortage comes for us all
7 days ago
- #memory prices
- #hardware shortage
- #AI impact
- Memory prices have skyrocketed, with a 64GB DDR5 kit increasing from $209 to $650.
- Raspberry Pi and other small vendors are facing significant price hikes, with some RAM costs doubling or tripling.
- PC builders are among the first to feel the impact, with DDR4 and DDR5 prices surging dramatically.
- Smaller companies are hit hardest, with some facing costs higher than all other components combined.
- AI datacenter buildouts are diverting memory production, leaving less for consumer markets.
- Nvidia and other manufacturers are prioritizing AI, leaving consumer GPU and RAM markets underserved.
- Speculation about future cheap hardware post-AI bubble may be unfounded due to specialized, non-consumer compatible components.
- Stockpiling by corporations like Lenovo mirrors the 2020 toilet paper shortage, exacerbating supply issues.
- The situation echoes the 2021-2022 chip shortage, with potential long-term impacts on product availability and pricing.
- The hobbyist PC building and SBC markets may face significant challenges, with some projects being postponed or abandoned.