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{{Stub}}
{{IncidentCargo
{{IncidentCargo
|Company=OpenAI, Samsung, Micron
|Company=OpenAI, Samsung, Micron
|StartDate=2025-10-01
|StartDate=1 October 2025
|EndDate=
|Status=Active
|Status=Active
|ArticleType=Product
|ArticleType=Product
|Type=Price Fixing
|Type=Price Fixing, Supply Shortage
|Description=OpenAI purchased almost half of the RAM.
|Description=OpenAI has made large RAM purchasing deals with major manufacturers for its Stargate project, leading to a consumer shortage of RAM globally.
}}
}}


'''RAM shortage''' or '''RAM crisis''' is an event that started at the end of 2025, with a significant increase in the prices of [[wikipedia:Dynamic_random-access_memory|dynamic random-access memory (DRAM)]]. {{Citation needed}} Prices of other computer components, such as [[wikipedia:Solid-state_drive|solid-state drives (SSDs)]] and [[wikipedia:Graphics_processing_unit|graphics processing units (GPUs)]] have also increased in a lesser scale. {{Citation needed}} [[File:CrucialProOverclocking32GB(2x16GB)DDR5-6000CL36MemoryPriceIncreasePCPartPicker.png|thumb|A screenshot from [https://pcpartpicker.com/ PcPartPicker] taken on 02-06-2026 showing the price increase of the product ''Crucial Pro Overclocking 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL36 Memory'']]
The '''{{Wplink|2024–present global memory supply shortage|RAM shortage}}''' or '''RAM crisis''' started around the end of 2025 as a consequence of artificial intelligence (AI) companies making deals with hardware manufacturers to produce and supply them with {{Wplink|Dynamic random-access memory|dynamic random-access memory}} (DRAM). This caused a significant supply shortage and corresponding price increase of DRAM in the consumer market.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ehrhardt |first=Michelle |title=Why RAM Prices Are Going Way, Way Up (and Why You Should Care) |url=https://lifehacker.com/tech/ram-prices-going-up#:~:text=But%20the%20largest%20RAM%20price,doubled%20profits%20over%20last%20year. |website=Lifehacker |date=10 Dec 2025 |access-date=29 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260107025034/https://lifehacker.com/tech/ram-prices-going-up |archive-date=7 Jan 2026}}</ref> Prices of other computer components, such as {{Wplink|solid-state drive}}s (SSDs) and {{Wplink|graphics processing unit}}s (GPUs) have also increased, although at a lesser scale.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Garreffa |first=Anthony |title=AMD and NVIDIA graphics cards will be more expensive in early 2026 because of DRAM crisis |url=https://www.tweaktown.com/news/109484/amd-and-nvidia-graphics-cards-will-be-more-expensive-in-early-2026-because-of-dram-crisis/index.html |website=TweakTown |date=27 Dec 2025 |access-date=19 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260111210901/https://www.tweaktown.com/news/109484/amd-and-nvidia-graphics-cards-will-be-more-expensive-in-early-2026-because-of-dram-crisis/index.html |archive-date=11 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Munnawer |first=Amna |title=Why SSDs Are Getting More Expensive In 2026? |url=https://directmacro.com/blog/post/why-ssds-are-getting-expensive |website=Direct Macro |date=12 Feb 2026 |access-date=19 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220191816/https://directmacro.com/blog/post/why-ssds-are-getting-expensive |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Nasir |first=Hassam |title=New report shows RAM prices are continuing to fall in Germany, US trends less certain — SSDs and HDDs are more expensive than ever in the States |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/new-report-shows-ram-prices-are-continuing-to-fall-in-germany-u-s-trends-less-certain-ssds-and-hdds-are-more-expensive-than-ever |website=Tom's Hardware |date=17 Feb 2026 |access-date=29 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260218163201/https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/new-report-shows-ram-prices-are-continuing-to-fall-in-germany-u-s-trends-less-certain-ssds-and-hdds-are-more-expensive-than-ever |archive-date=18 Feb 2026}}</ref>
[[File:CrucialProOverclocking32GB(2x16GB)DDR5-6000CL36MemoryPriceIncreasePCPartPicker.png|thumb|A screenshot of a graph from [https://pcpartpicker.com/ PcPartPicker] taken on 6 February 2026 showing the price increase of the product ''Crucial Pro Overclocking 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL36 Memory'']]


==Background==
==Background==
With the release of [[ChatGPT]], OpenAI became the pioneer of the Artificial Intelligence boom in the entire world. More companies wanted to develop their own AIs and build infrastructure to compete in the AI market.
With the release of [[ChatGPT]], [[OpenAI]] became the leading pioneer of artificial intelligence. Seeing this, more companies wanted to develop their own AI models and build infrastructure to compete in the AI market. [[Samsung]], [[Micron]], and [[SK Hynix]] are the main RAM producers for consumers and corporations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Crider |first=Michael |title=Report: Desperate PC manufacturers are turning to China for RAM |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/3057590/report-desperate-pc-manufacturers-turn-to-china-for-ram.html |website=PC World |date=10 Feb 2026 |access-date=11 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224121921/https://www.pcworld.com/article/3057590/report-desperate-pc-manufacturers-turn-to-china-for-ram.html |archive-date=24 Feb 2026}}</ref>
[[Samsung]], [[Micron]], and [[SK Hynix]] are the main RAM producers for consumers and corporations.


==Causes of the shortage==
==Causes of the shortage==
On October 1st 2025, OpenAI signed deals with major memory manufacturers to secure 40% of global RAM production. As of February 2026, RAM prices have tripled compared to October 2025. By late 2026, 70% of all RAM usage is expected to come from AI data centers. [1] It is expected the RAM shortage could last until 2028. {{Citation needed}}
On 1 October 2025, OpenAI signed deals with major memory manufacturers to secure 40% of global RAM production.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shilov |first=Anton |title=OpenAI's Stargate project to consume up to 40% of global DRAM output — inks deal with Samsung and SK hynix to the tune of up to 900,000 wafers per month |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/dram/openais-stargate-project-to-consume-up-to-40-percent-of-global-dram-output-inks-deal-with-samsung-and-sk-hynix-to-the-tune-of-up-to-900-000-wafers-per-month |website=Tom's Hardware |date=1 Oct 2025 |access-date=11 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260115053840/https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/dram/openais-stargate-project-to-consume-up-to-40-percent-of-global-dram-output-inks-deal-with-samsung-and-sk-hynix-to-the-tune-of-up-to-900-000-wafers-per-month |archive-date=15 Jan 2026}}</ref> As of February 2026, RAM prices have tripled compared to October 2025. By late 2026, AI data centers are expected to take 70% of all RAM usage.  It is expected the RAM shortage could last until 2028.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=Darragh |title='DRAM shortages could persist for quite some time now': Micron on RAM crisis lasting until 2028 with high AI demand, 'we are still servicing the consumer market' |url=https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/theres-just-not-enough-supply-to-go-around-micron-believes-ram-shortage-wont-improve-until-2028-at-least-until-the-ai-demand-starts-to-fade-away |website=Tom's Guide |date=14 Jan 2026 |access-date=29 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260222085320/https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/theres-just-not-enough-supply-to-go-around-micron-believes-ram-shortage-wont-improve-until-2028-at-least-until-the-ai-demand-starts-to-fade-away |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref>
 
The shortage is being further accelerated by hardware manufacturers such as [[Sony]], [[Nintendo]], [[Valve]], and other companies with a vested interest in securing RAM for their devices. These include products like gaming consoles, smart TVs, and hand-held systems. Many of these companies are already locking in exclusive deals to secure RAM supplies separate from the AI-related demand mentioned above. Earning calls from Sony<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |author= |title=FY2025 Q3 Earnings Announcement |url=https://www.irwebmeeting.com/sony/vod/20260205/L2qGzweh/202603_3q_02_en/index.html |website=[[Sony]] |date=25 Feb 2026 |access-date=6 Apr 2026 |url-status=live
|archive-url=<!-- Video is non-YouTube, would have to be downloaded somehow and uploaded to IA. -Sojourna -->
|archive-date=
}}</ref> and Nintendo<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Nine Months Financial Results Briefing for Fiscal Year Ending March 2026 (Online) Nintendo Co., Ltd. |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2026/260204e.pdf |website=[[Nintendo]] |date=3 Feb 2026 |access-date=29 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260208190231/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2026/260204e.pdf |archive-date=8 Feb 2026 |page=1, A1 |format=PDF}}</ref> reveal this even before the Media{{Clarify|{{Wplink|Weasel word|who?}}}} will pick up on it.
 
The effects are already becoming visible in 2026, with higher prices for consumer hardware.<ref name=":1" /> Instead of absorbing these costs, companies are passing them on to customers. Their explanation typically points to market conditions, tariffs, and similar factors.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vigliarolo |first=Brandon |title=Acer signals 10% laptop price hike in US, blames Trump's extra China tariff |url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/02/18/acer_hikes_us_prices/ |website=The Register |date=18 Feb 2025 |access-date=4 May 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260120092508/https://www.theregister.com/2025/02/18/acer_hikes_us_prices/ |archive-date=20 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hachman |first=Mark |title=Computer prices could go up by 20% due to RAM shortage, PC makers warn |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/3021660/computer-prices-could-go-up-by-20-due-to-ram-shortage-pc-makers-warn.html |website=PC World |date=5 Jan 2026 |access-date=29 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260213081617/https://www.pcworld.com/article/3021660/computer-prices-could-go-up-by-20-due-to-ram-shortage-pc-makers-warn.html |archive-date=13 Feb 2026}}</ref>


==Corporate response==
==Corporate response==
===Micron===
{{Main|Micron retires Crucial products from consumer business}}


===Micron=== {{Main|Exit of Crucial from consumer business}}
In December 2025, Micron announced and retired their consumer-targeted brand, Crucial, from the consumer market. This affected both RAM and SSDs. Micron took this initiative to supply AI data centers instead. After February 2026, shipments of Crucial products were ended.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Micron Announces Exit from Crucial Consumer Business |url=https://investors.micron.com/news-releases/news-release-details/micron-announces-exit-crucial-consumer-business |website=[[Micron]] |date=3 Dec 2025 |access-date=29 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220192654/https://investors.micron.com/news-releases/news-release-details/micron-announces-exit-crucial-consumer-business |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref>
Micron has exited the consumer RAM market to focus resources toward manufacturing RAM to supply AI data centers.  


===Samsung===
===Samsung===
Samsung has promised to continue selling SSDs
Samsung promised to continue selling SSDs despite rumors that it had plans to leave the consumer market.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Batt |first=Simon |title=No, we're not backing out of the consumer SSD market, says Samsung |url=https://www.xda-developers.com/not-backing-out-of-consumer-ssd-market-samsung/:~:text=We%27ll%20keep%20selling%20SSDs%20to%20the%20consumer%2C%20says%20Samsung&text=Right%20now%2C%20we%27re%20seeing,supplying%20us%20with%20its%20hardware. |website=XDA Developers |date=15 Dec 2025 |access-date=19 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260109215923/https://www.xda-developers.com/not-backing-out-of-consumer-ssd-market-samsung/ |archive-date=9 Jan 2026}}</ref>
 
===Sony===
Price increases across consumer hardware were officially attributed to ''"market conditions"''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tomatis |first=Isabelle |title=New Price Changes for PS5, PS5 Pro, and PlayStation Portal remote player |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2026/03/27/new-price-changes-for-ps5-ps5-pro-and-playstation-portal-remote-player/ |website=[[PlayStation]] |date=27 Mar 2026
|access-date=29 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260327122317/https://blog.playstation.com/2026/03/27/new-price-changes-for-ps5-ps5-pro-and-playstation-portal-remote-player/ |archive-date=27 Mar 2026}}</ref> However, based on statements made during earnings calls,<ref name=":2" /> this does not appear to be the full explanation. The companies themselves report rising hardware sales and increased revenue, suggesting that the higher costs could have been absorbed without necessarily raising prices.
 
Although memory prices had increased, these companies had already planned ahead to mitigate such cost pressures without suffering significant financial drawbacks. As mentioned in earnings calls, preparations made between 2024 and 2026 were intended to offset those challenges. This can be seen on the basis of the operating income that was already adjusted for the 2026 forecast.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Q3 FY2025 Consolidated Financial Results |url=https://www.sony.com/en/SonyInfo/IR/library/presen/er/pdf/25q3_sonypre.pdf |website=[[Sony]] |date=5 May 2026 |access-date=29 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260219084255/https://www.sony.com/en/SonyInfo/IR/library/presen/er/pdf/25q3_sonypre.pdf |archive-date=19 Feb 2026 |page=8}}</ref> Therefore, the decision to raise prices appears to be less about necessity and more about an opportunity to increase profitability instead of relying on those earlier preparations to absorb the costs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hassan |first=Mohamed |title=Sony plans to minimize effect of rising PlayStation 5 memory costs by boosting software and network service revenue, according to CFO |url=https://automaton-media.com/en/news/sony-plans-to-minimize-effect-of-rising-playstation-5-memory-costs-by-boosting-software-and-network-service-revenue-according-to-cfo/ |website=Automaton |date=18 Feb 2026 |access-date=6 Apr 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260218011344/https://automaton-media.com/en/news/sony-plans-to-minimize-effect-of-rising-playstation-5-memory-costs-by-boosting-software-and-network-service-revenue-according-to-cfo/ |archive-date=18 Feb 2026}}</ref>


==Consequences==
==Consequences==
The shortage of DRAM has already affected personal computing, with consequences like:
The shortage of DRAM has already affected personal computing, with consequences such as:
* Samsung and Hk Hynix have increased RAM prices due to slowed production and less competition from Micron<br />
*The DRAM price increase has also increased the price to purchase a whole new computer, making them a less accessible product for a regular consumer.
*This also has caused some manufacturers to sell their computers without DRAM included.


*Samsung and SK Hynix having increased RAM prices due to slowed production and less competition from Micron.
*The DRAM price increase also increasing the price to purchase a whole new computer, making computers a less accessible product for a regular customer.
*Some manufacturers selling their computers without DRAM included. One notable example is Maingear, who began their own bring-your-own (BYO) RAM program.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Bring your own RAM, we’ll build you a complete PC. |url=https://maingear.com/blogs/promotions/maingear-byo-ram-program |website=Maingear |date= |access-date=29 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260208065852/https://maingear.com/blogs/promotions/maingear-byo-ram-program |archive-date=8 Feb 2026}}</ref>
*Customers resorting to buying the older DDR4,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Murtaza |first=Fawad |title=AMD Zen 3 AM4 CPU prices surge as customers flock to desktop processors with DDR4 support |url=https://www.notebookcheck.net/AMD-Zen-3-AM4-CPU-prices-surge-as-customers-flock-to-desktop-processors-with-DDR4-support.1209042.0.html |website=NotebookCheck |date=22 Jan 2026 |access-date=19 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260224121950/https://www.notebookcheck.net/AMD-Zen-3-AM4-CPU-prices-surge-as-customers-flock-to-desktop-processors-with-DDR4-support.1209042.0.html |archive-date=24 Feb 2026}}</ref> and even DDR3, to avoid higher prices.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yee |first=Alainia |title=Surprise! DDR3 isn’t dead—and it might be the budget PC gaming answer you need |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/3040452/surprise-ddr3-isnt-dead-and-it-might-be-the-budget-pc-gaming-answer-you-need.html |website=PC Gamer |date=23 Jan 2026 |access-date=19 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260124075610/https://www.pcworld.com/article/3040452/surprise-ddr3-isnt-dead-and-it-might-be-the-budget-pc-gaming-answer-you-need.html |archive-date=24 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kinghorn |first=Jess |title=Seeing the absolute state of memory pricing, Chinese DIY community opts for DDR3 motherboards instead |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/memory/seeing-the-absolute-state-of-memory-pricing-chinese-diy-community-opts-for-ddr3-motherboards-instead/ |website=PC Gamer |date=14 Jan 2026 |access-date=19 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260117162610/https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/memory/seeing-the-absolute-state-of-memory-pricing-chinese-diy-community-opts-for-ddr3-motherboards-instead/ |archive-date=17 Jan 2026}}</ref>
*A significant increase in the theft of RAM sticks due to the high prices and their small size making them a lucrative easy target.<ref>{{Cite web |last=James |first=Luke |title=Thieves are starting to steal RAM now that it's as expensive as gold — a memory kit disappears in the snail mail at four in the morning with a bogus signature |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/ddr5/package-theft-leaves-pc-builder-without-ddr5 |website=Tom's Hardware |date=29 Nov 2025 |access-date=20 May 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251129165950/https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/ddr5/package-theft-leaves-pc-builder-without-ddr5 |archive-date=29 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zuhair |first=Muhammad |title=RAM Shortages Have Gone So Crazy That Thieves Are Now Actually Pulling Modules Out of PCs, Given It’s More Worthwhile Than Taking the Whole Unit |url=https://wccftech.com/ram-shortages-have-gone-so-crazy-that-thieves-are-now-actually-pulling-modules-out-of-pc/ |website=wccftech |date=14 Jan 2026 |access-date=20 May 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260114160613/https://wccftech.com/ram-shortages-have-gone-so-crazy-that-thieves-are-now-actually-pulling-modules-out-of-pc/ |archive-date=14 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Frankel |first=Todd C. |title=How cargo thieves are stealing millions of dollars in tech hardware |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2026/03/09/cargo-theft-ai-chips-data-centers/ |url-access=subscription |website=The Washington Post |date=9 Mar 2026 |access-date=20 May 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260309140313/https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2026/03/09/cargo-theft-ai-chips-data-centers/ |archive-date=9 Mar 2026 |quote=Thieves today are targeting the pricey computer parts driving the AI and tech booms, snatching high-speed RAM modules, advanced computer chips and server racks as they flow toward the data centers and related industries popping up across the country. The thieves are also using increasingly sophisticated means to pull off their heists.}}</ref> [[Costco]] went so far as to remove RAM from display PCs due to repeated instances of theft.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Batt |first=Simon |title=The RAM crisis has gotten so bad, Costco is removing memory from display PCs to halt theft |url=https://www.xda-developers.com/ram-crisis-gotten-so-bad-costco-removing-memory-from-display-pcs/ |website=XDA |date=29 Jan 2026 |access-date=20 May 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260130222035/https://www.xda-developers.com/ram-crisis-gotten-so-bad-costco-removing-memory-from-display-pcs/ |archive-date=30 Jan 2026}}</ref>
*[[Microsoft]] announcing, on 25 June 2026, a significant price increase for its [[Xbox]] {{Wplink|Xbox Series X and Series S|Series X and Series S}} console for a third time that will take effect on 1 August 2026. The prior two increases occurred in May and October 2025. Microsoft stated that ''""console storage and memory prices have increased by more than 2.5x and we expect another doubling by the fall of 2027"''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tweedie |first=Steven |title=Microsoft is raising Xbox prices yet again due to the memory shortage — this time by $100-$150 |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-xbox-price-increase-series-x-2026-6 |website=Business Insider |date=25 Jun 2026 |access-date=29 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/PVCQh |archive-date=30 Jun 2026}}</ref> In an earlier blog post from 10 June 2026, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and Xbox Executive Vice President Matt Booty had bluntly wrote that ''"We are in a hardware component crisis."''<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Sharma |first1=Asha |last2=Booty |first2=Matt |title=Next 100 Days: XBOX Reset |url=https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2026/06/10/next-100-days-xbox-reset/#:~:text=We%20are%20in%20a%20hardware%20component%20crisis%2E |website=[[Xbox]] |date=10 Jun 2026 |access-date=29 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260610212542/https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2026/06/10/next-100-days-xbox-reset/ |archive-date=10 Jun 2026}}</ref>
*Valve's highly-anticipated 2026 Steam Machine PC-console hybrid having been intended to debut at $750 USD,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Coulson |first=Josh |title=Steam Machine Originally Believed To Have Cost $750 |url=https://www.thegamer.com/steam-machine-original-price/ |website=TheGamer |date=23 Jun 2026 |access-date=29 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260630043526/https://www.thegamer.com/steam-machine-original-price/ |archive-date=30 Jun 2026}}</ref> but the company was forced to drastically increase the price — to over $1000 USD for the base version — owing to the RAM shortage.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zwiezen |first=Zack |title=Valve Says The Companies Making RAM Give Them A Price And If They Say No, They ‘Never Talk To Us Again’ |url=https://kotaku.com/valve-says-the-companies-making-ram-give-them-a-price-and-if-they-say-no-they-never-talk-to-us-again-2000709575 |website=Kotaku |date=23 Jun 2026 |access-date=29 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260623212534/https://kotaku.com/valve-says-the-companies-making-ram-give-them-a-price-and-if-they-say-no-they-never-talk-to-us-again-2000709575 |archive-date=23 Jun 2026}}</ref>
==Lawsuit==
A class action lawsuit was filed in California Northern District Court on 25 June 2026, accusing [[Samsung]], [[SK Hynix]] and [[Micron]] of engaging in price-fixing.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Berg |first=Lauren |title=Major Chipmakers Sued For Price-Fixing Amid 'RAMpocalypse' |url=https://www.law360.com/articles/2493985/major-chipmakers-sued-for-price-fixing-amid-rampocalypse- |url-access=subscription |website=Law360 |date=25 Jun 2026 |access-date=29 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260627090538/https://www.law360.com/articles/2493985/major-chipmakers-sued-for-price-fixing-amid-rampocalypse- |archive-date=27 Jun 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mujtaba |first=Hassan |title=Memory Trio Samsung, SK Hynix & Micron Face Class Action Lawsuit As Prices Reach Historical High Due To Shortages |url=https://wccftech.com/memory-trio-samsung-sk-hynix-micron-face-class-action-lawsuit/ |website=wccftech |date=29 Jun 2026 |access-date=29 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260629113835/https://wccftech.com/memory-trio-samsung-sk-hynix-micron-face-class-action-lawsuit/ |archive-date=29 Jun 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Parker |first=Lewis |title=Class Action Lawsuit Accuses The Three Largest RAM Manufacturers Of Colluding To Drive Up Prices |url=https://kotaku.com/class-action-lawsuit-accuses-the-three-largest-ram-manufacturers-of-colluding-to-drive-up-prices-2000711373 |website=Kotaku |date=29 Jun 2026 |access-date=29 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://megalodon.jp/2026-0630-1355-24/https://kotaku.com:443/class-action-lawsuit-accuses-the-three-largest-ram-manufacturers-of-colluding-to-drive-up-prices-2000711373 |archive-date=30 Jun 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Horetski |first=Dylan |title=New lawsuit claims RAM makers manipulated supply as AI demand exploded |url=https://www.dexerto.com/entertainment/new-lawsuit-claims-ram-makers-manipulated-supply-as-ai-demand-exploded-3380638/ |website=Dexerto |date=29 Jun 2026 |access-date=29 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260630045937/https://www.dexerto.com/entertainment/new-lawsuit-claims-ram-makers-manipulated-supply-as-ai-demand-exploded-3380638/ |archive-date=30 Jun 2026}}</ref> The lawsuit is filed as ''Garciaguirre et al v. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. et al'' 3:26-cv-06345<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Garciaguirre et al v. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. et al |url=https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/65375103/Garciaguirre_et_al_v_Samsung_Electronics_Co,_Ltd_et_al |url-access=subscription |website=PacerMonitor |date=25 Jun 2026 |access-date=29 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260629073840/https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/65375103/Garciaguirre_et_al_v_Samsung_Electronics_Co,_Ltd_et_al |archive-date=29 Jun 2026}}</ref> (alternatively 5:26-cv-06345-NW<ref>''"[[:File:Garciaguirre et al v. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. et al.pdf|Garciaguirre et al v. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. et al]]"'' (PDF). ''Consumer Rights Wiki''. 25 Jun 2026. [https://web.archive.org/web/20260701045029/https://consumerrights.wiki/images/6/65/Garciaguirre_et_al_v._Samsung_Electronics_Co.%2C_Ltd._et_al.pdf Archived] from the original on 1 Jul 2026. Retrieved 30 Jun 2026. <!-- Had to ditch the cite web template in order to wiki link the file. -Sojourna --></ref>).


==Consumer response==
==Consumer response==
The RAM shortage has caused outrage amongst consumers, talking about how manufacturers are prioritizing the profits of the AI market and ignoring regular consumers. They have posted several content in social media talking about the topic and their negative impact to personal computing, for example by highlighting the potential fuffilment of Jeff Bezos' desire for consumers to rent computing power from the cloud, taking away ownership, [3] or by making several YouTube videos stating how this will impact the future of home computing. [4] [5]<br />
The RAM shortage has caused outrage among consumers, talking about how manufacturers are prioritizing the profits of the AI market and ignoring regular consumers. Lots of content on social media has been posted talking about the topic and its negative impact on personal computing, for example by highlighting the potential fulfillment of Jeff Bezos' desire for consumers to rent computing power from the cloud; taking away ownership,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Corden |first=Jez |title=Jeff Bezos said the quiet part out loud — hopes that you'll give up your PC to rent one from the cloud |url=https://www.windowscentral.com/artificial-intelligence/jeff-bezos-says-the-quiet-part-out-loud-bezos-envisions-that-youll-give-up-your-pc-for-an-ai-cloud-version |website=Windows Central |date=13 Jan 2026 |access-date=29 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221193537/https://www.windowscentral.com/artificial-intelligence/jeff-bezos-says-the-quiet-part-out-loud-bezos-envisions-that-youll-give-up-your-pc-for-an-ai-cloud-version |archive-date=21 Feb 2026}}</ref> and increasingly by making several [[YouTube]] videos stating how this will impact the future of home computing.<ref>{{Cite web |author=MonkeyExplains |title=RAM Prices Are Worse Then You Think |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfOREULEqRU |website=[[YouTube]] |date=18 Jan 2026 |access-date=19 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=IfOREULEqRU |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Gamers Nexus |title=WTF Just Happened? |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9A-eeJP0J7c&t=633s |website=[[YouTube]] |date=5 Dec 2025 |access-date=19 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=9A-eeJP0J7c |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>


==References==
Current market data suggests that many consumers are actively choosing not to purchase newer, higher priced graphics cards such as the RTX 50 series. The 2025 Steam Hardware & Software Survey showed that mainstream adoption continues to favor more affordable, mid-range GPUs, with models like the RTX 4060 overtaking the RTX 3060 as the most widely used.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Burov |first=Simon |title=Steam Hardware Survey August 2025: Key Changes, Trends, and Takeaways |url=https://gaming.news/codex/steam-hardware-survey-august-2025-key-changes-trends-and-takeaways/ |website=Gaming.News |date=8 Sep 2025 |access-date=29 Jun 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250918170912/https://gaming.news/codex/steam-hardware-survey-august-2025-key-changes-trends-and-takeaways/ |archive-date=18 Sep 2025}}</ref> Even within the latest generation, the RTX 5070 leads over lower-tier alternatives, indicating selective upgrades rather than broad adoption.
{{reflist}}[https://medium.com/predict/openai-crashed-the-global-memory-supply-4cc7136c3e73 <nowiki>[1] Medium</nowiki>]


[https://investors.micron.com/news-releases/news-release-details/micron-announces-exit-crucial-consumer-business <nowiki>[2] Micron Investors</nowiki>]
At the same time, the continued dominance of GPUs with 8 GB of VRAM and the gradual transition toward 32 GB of system RAM suggest that consumers are prioritizing balanced, cost-effective upgrades over premium, high-priced hardware.<ref name=":3" /> This behavior indicates resistance to inflated pricing, with buyers opting to delay upgrades, stick to older models, or choose more reasonably priced options instead of adopting over-priced new releases.{{Citation needed|reason=Partly unfounded claim.|date=May 4 2026|nocat=yes}}


[3] [https://www.windowscentral.com/artificial-intelligence/jeff-bezos-says-the-quiet-part-out-loud-bezos-envisions-that-youll-give-up-your-pc-for-an-ai-cloud-version Windows Central]
==See also==
{{Ph-C-SA}}


[4] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfOREULEqRU RAM prices are Worse Than You Think]
==References==
{{Reflist}}


[5][https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9A-eeJP0J7c&t=633s WTF Just Happened? | The Corrupt Memory Industry & Micron]{{Ph-I-C}}
[[Category:OpenAI]]
[[Category:Micron]]
[[Category:Samsung]]
[[Category:SK Hynix]]

Latest revision as of 05:04, 1 July 2026

The RAM shortage or RAM crisis started around the end of 2025 as a consequence of artificial intelligence (AI) companies making deals with hardware manufacturers to produce and supply them with dynamic random-access memory (DRAM). This caused a significant supply shortage and corresponding price increase of DRAM in the consumer market.[1] Prices of other computer components, such as solid-state drives (SSDs) and graphics processing units (GPUs) have also increased, although at a lesser scale.[2][3][4]

A screenshot of a graph from PcPartPicker taken on 6 February 2026 showing the price increase of the product Crucial Pro Overclocking 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL36 Memory

Background

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With the release of ChatGPT, OpenAI became the leading pioneer of artificial intelligence. Seeing this, more companies wanted to develop their own AI models and build infrastructure to compete in the AI market. Samsung, Micron, and SK Hynix are the main RAM producers for consumers and corporations.[5]

Causes of the shortage

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On 1 October 2025, OpenAI signed deals with major memory manufacturers to secure 40% of global RAM production.[6] As of February 2026, RAM prices have tripled compared to October 2025. By late 2026, AI data centers are expected to take 70% of all RAM usage. It is expected the RAM shortage could last until 2028.[7]

The shortage is being further accelerated by hardware manufacturers such as Sony, Nintendo, Valve, and other companies with a vested interest in securing RAM for their devices. These include products like gaming consoles, smart TVs, and hand-held systems. Many of these companies are already locking in exclusive deals to secure RAM supplies separate from the AI-related demand mentioned above. Earning calls from Sony[8] and Nintendo[9] reveal this even before the Media[who??] will pick up on it.

The effects are already becoming visible in 2026, with higher prices for consumer hardware.[4] Instead of absorbing these costs, companies are passing them on to customers. Their explanation typically points to market conditions, tariffs, and similar factors.[10][11]

Corporate response

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Micron

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Main article: Micron retires Crucial products from consumer business

In December 2025, Micron announced and retired their consumer-targeted brand, Crucial, from the consumer market. This affected both RAM and SSDs. Micron took this initiative to supply AI data centers instead. After February 2026, shipments of Crucial products were ended.[12]

Samsung

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Samsung promised to continue selling SSDs despite rumors that it had plans to leave the consumer market.[13]

Sony

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Price increases across consumer hardware were officially attributed to "market conditions".[14] However, based on statements made during earnings calls,[8] this does not appear to be the full explanation. The companies themselves report rising hardware sales and increased revenue, suggesting that the higher costs could have been absorbed without necessarily raising prices.

Although memory prices had increased, these companies had already planned ahead to mitigate such cost pressures without suffering significant financial drawbacks. As mentioned in earnings calls, preparations made between 2024 and 2026 were intended to offset those challenges. This can be seen on the basis of the operating income that was already adjusted for the 2026 forecast.[15] Therefore, the decision to raise prices appears to be less about necessity and more about an opportunity to increase profitability instead of relying on those earlier preparations to absorb the costs.[16]

Consequences

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The shortage of DRAM has already affected personal computing, with consequences such as:

  • Samsung and SK Hynix having increased RAM prices due to slowed production and less competition from Micron.
  • The DRAM price increase also increasing the price to purchase a whole new computer, making computers a less accessible product for a regular customer.
  • Some manufacturers selling their computers without DRAM included. One notable example is Maingear, who began their own bring-your-own (BYO) RAM program.[17]
  • Customers resorting to buying the older DDR4,[18] and even DDR3, to avoid higher prices.[19][20]
  • A significant increase in the theft of RAM sticks due to the high prices and their small size making them a lucrative easy target.[21][22][23] Costco went so far as to remove RAM from display PCs due to repeated instances of theft.[24]
  • Microsoft announcing, on 25 June 2026, a significant price increase for its Xbox Series X and Series S console for a third time that will take effect on 1 August 2026. The prior two increases occurred in May and October 2025. Microsoft stated that ""console storage and memory prices have increased by more than 2.5x and we expect another doubling by the fall of 2027".[25] In an earlier blog post from 10 June 2026, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and Xbox Executive Vice President Matt Booty had bluntly wrote that "We are in a hardware component crisis."[26]
  • Valve's highly-anticipated 2026 Steam Machine PC-console hybrid having been intended to debut at $750 USD,[27] but the company was forced to drastically increase the price — to over $1000 USD for the base version — owing to the RAM shortage.[28]

Lawsuit

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A class action lawsuit was filed in California Northern District Court on 25 June 2026, accusing Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron of engaging in price-fixing.[29][30][31][32] The lawsuit is filed as Garciaguirre et al v. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. et al 3:26-cv-06345[33] (alternatively 5:26-cv-06345-NW[34]).

Consumer response

[edit | edit source]

The RAM shortage has caused outrage among consumers, talking about how manufacturers are prioritizing the profits of the AI market and ignoring regular consumers. Lots of content on social media has been posted talking about the topic and its negative impact on personal computing, for example by highlighting the potential fulfillment of Jeff Bezos' desire for consumers to rent computing power from the cloud; taking away ownership,[35] and increasingly by making several YouTube videos stating how this will impact the future of home computing.[36][37]

Current market data suggests that many consumers are actively choosing not to purchase newer, higher priced graphics cards such as the RTX 50 series. The 2025 Steam Hardware & Software Survey showed that mainstream adoption continues to favor more affordable, mid-range GPUs, with models like the RTX 4060 overtaking the RTX 3060 as the most widely used.[38] Even within the latest generation, the RTX 5070 leads over lower-tier alternatives, indicating selective upgrades rather than broad adoption.

At the same time, the continued dominance of GPUs with 8 GB of VRAM and the gradual transition toward 32 GB of system RAM suggest that consumers are prioritizing balanced, cost-effective upgrades over premium, high-priced hardware.[38] This behavior indicates resistance to inflated pricing, with buyers opting to delay upgrades, stick to older models, or choose more reasonably priced options instead of adopting over-priced new releases.[citation needed - Partly unfounded claim. (May 4 2026)]

See also

[edit | edit source]

Link to relevant theme articles or companies with similar incidents.

Add your text below this box. Once this section is complete, delete this box by clicking on it and pressing backspace.


References

[edit | edit source]
  1. ↑ Ehrhardt, Michelle (10 Dec 2025). "Why RAM Prices Are Going Way, Way Up (and Why You Should Care)". Lifehacker. Archived from the original on 7 Jan 2026. Retrieved 29 Jun 2026.
  2. ↑ Garreffa, Anthony (27 Dec 2025). "AMD and NVIDIA graphics cards will be more expensive in early 2026 because of DRAM crisis". TweakTown. Archived from the original on 11 Jan 2026. Retrieved 19 Feb 2026.
  3. ↑ Munnawer, Amna (12 Feb 2026). "Why SSDs Are Getting More Expensive In 2026?". Direct Macro. Archived from the original on 20 Feb 2026. Retrieved 19 Feb 2026.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Nasir, Hassam (17 Feb 2026). "New report shows RAM prices are continuing to fall in Germany, US trends less certain — SSDs and HDDs are more expensive than ever in the States". Tom's Hardware. Archived from the original on 18 Feb 2026. Retrieved 29 Jun 2026.
  5. ↑ Crider, Michael (10 Feb 2026). "Report: Desperate PC manufacturers are turning to China for RAM". PC World. Archived from the original on 24 Feb 2026. Retrieved 11 Feb 2026.
  6. ↑ Shilov, Anton (1 Oct 2025). "OpenAI's Stargate project to consume up to 40% of global DRAM output — inks deal with Samsung and SK hynix to the tune of up to 900,000 wafers per month". Tom's Hardware. Archived from the original on 15 Jan 2026. Retrieved 11 Feb 2026.
  7. ↑ Murphy, Darragh (14 Jan 2026). "'DRAM shortages could persist for quite some time now': Micron on RAM crisis lasting until 2028 with high AI demand, 'we are still servicing the consumer market'". Tom's Guide. Archived from the original on 22 Feb 2026. Retrieved 29 Jun 2026.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "FY2025 Q3 Earnings Announcement". Sony. 25 Feb 2026. Retrieved 6 Apr 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  9. ↑ "Nine Months Financial Results Briefing for Fiscal Year Ending March 2026 (Online) Nintendo Co., Ltd" (PDF). Nintendo. 3 Feb 2026. p. 1, A1. Archived (PDF) from the original on 8 Feb 2026. Retrieved 29 Jun 2026.
  10. ↑ Vigliarolo, Brandon (18 Feb 2025). "Acer signals 10% laptop price hike in US, blames Trump's extra China tariff". The Register. Archived from the original on 20 Jan 2026. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
  11. ↑ Hachman, Mark (5 Jan 2026). "Computer prices could go up by 20% due to RAM shortage, PC makers warn". PC World. Archived from the original on 13 Feb 2026. Retrieved 29 Jun 2026.
  12. ↑ "Micron Announces Exit from Crucial Consumer Business". Micron. 3 Dec 2025. Archived from the original on 20 Feb 2026. Retrieved 29 Jun 2026.
  13. ↑ Batt, Simon (15 Dec 2025). "No, we're not backing out of the consumer SSD market, says Samsung". XDA Developers. Archived from the original on 9 Jan 2026. Retrieved 19 Feb 2026.
  14. ↑ Tomatis, Isabelle (27 Mar 2026). "New Price Changes for PS5, PS5 Pro, and PlayStation Portal remote player". PlayStation. Archived from the original on 27 Mar 2026. Retrieved 29 Jun 2026.
  15. ↑ "Q3 FY2025 Consolidated Financial Results" (PDF). Sony. 5 May 2026. p. 8. Archived (PDF) from the original on 19 Feb 2026. Retrieved 29 Jun 2026.
  16. ↑ Hassan, Mohamed (18 Feb 2026). "Sony plans to minimize effect of rising PlayStation 5 memory costs by boosting software and network service revenue, according to CFO". Automaton. Archived from the original on 18 Feb 2026. Retrieved 6 Apr 2026.
  17. ↑ "Bring your own RAM, we'll build you a complete PC". Maingear. Archived from the original on 8 Feb 2026. Retrieved 29 Jun 2026.
  18. ↑ Murtaza, Fawad (22 Jan 2026). "AMD Zen 3 AM4 CPU prices surge as customers flock to desktop processors with DDR4 support". NotebookCheck. Archived from the original on 24 Feb 2026. Retrieved 19 Feb 2026.
  19. ↑ Yee, Alainia (23 Jan 2026). "Surprise! DDR3 isn't dead—and it might be the budget PC gaming answer you need". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on 24 Jan 2026. Retrieved 19 Feb 2026.
  20. ↑ Kinghorn, Jess (14 Jan 2026). "Seeing the absolute state of memory pricing, Chinese DIY community opts for DDR3 motherboards instead". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on 17 Jan 2026. Retrieved 19 Feb 2026.
  21. ↑ James, Luke (29 Nov 2025). "Thieves are starting to steal RAM now that it's as expensive as gold — a memory kit disappears in the snail mail at four in the morning with a bogus signature". Tom's Hardware. Archived from the original on 29 Nov 2025. Retrieved 20 May 2026.
  22. ↑ Zuhair, Muhammad (14 Jan 2026). "RAM Shortages Have Gone So Crazy That Thieves Are Now Actually Pulling Modules Out of PCs, Given It's More Worthwhile Than Taking the Whole Unit". wccftech. Archived from the original on 14 Jan 2026. Retrieved 20 May 2026.
  23. ↑ Frankel, Todd C. (9 Mar 2026). "How cargo thieves are stealing millions of dollars in tech hardware". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 9 Mar 2026. Retrieved 20 May 2026. Thieves today are targeting the pricey computer parts driving the AI and tech booms, snatching high-speed RAM modules, advanced computer chips and server racks as they flow toward the data centers and related industries popping up across the country. The thieves are also using increasingly sophisticated means to pull off their heists.
  24. ↑ Batt, Simon (29 Jan 2026). "The RAM crisis has gotten so bad, Costco is removing memory from display PCs to halt theft". XDA. Archived from the original on 30 Jan 2026. Retrieved 20 May 2026.
  25. ↑ Tweedie, Steven (25 Jun 2026). "Microsoft is raising Xbox prices yet again due to the memory shortage — this time by $100-$150". Business Insider. Archived from the original on 30 Jun 2026. Retrieved 29 Jun 2026.
  26. ↑ Sharma, Asha; Booty, Matt (10 Jun 2026). "Next 100 Days: XBOX Reset". Xbox. Archived from the original on 10 Jun 2026. Retrieved 29 Jun 2026.
  27. ↑ Coulson, Josh (23 Jun 2026). "Steam Machine Originally Believed To Have Cost $750". TheGamer. Archived from the original on 30 Jun 2026. Retrieved 29 Jun 2026.
  28. ↑ Zwiezen, Zack (23 Jun 2026). "Valve Says The Companies Making RAM Give Them A Price And If They Say No, They 'Never Talk To Us Again'". Kotaku. Archived from the original on 23 Jun 2026. Retrieved 29 Jun 2026.
  29. ↑ Berg, Lauren (25 Jun 2026). "Major Chipmakers Sued For Price-Fixing Amid 'RAMpocalypse'". Law360. Archived from the original on 27 Jun 2026. Retrieved 29 Jun 2026.
  30. ↑ Mujtaba, Hassan (29 Jun 2026). "Memory Trio Samsung, SK Hynix & Micron Face Class Action Lawsuit As Prices Reach Historical High Due To Shortages". wccftech. Archived from the original on 29 Jun 2026. Retrieved 29 Jun 2026.
  31. ↑ Parker, Lewis (29 Jun 2026). "Class Action Lawsuit Accuses The Three Largest RAM Manufacturers Of Colluding To Drive Up Prices". Kotaku. Archived from the original on 30 Jun 2026. Retrieved 29 Jun 2026.
  32. ↑ Horetski, Dylan (29 Jun 2026). "New lawsuit claims RAM makers manipulated supply as AI demand exploded". Dexerto. Archived from the original on 30 Jun 2026. Retrieved 29 Jun 2026.
  33. ↑ "Garciaguirre et al v. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. et al". PacerMonitor. 25 Jun 2026. Archived from the original on 29 Jun 2026. Retrieved 29 Jun 2026.
  34. ↑ "Garciaguirre et al v. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. et al" (PDF). Consumer Rights Wiki. 25 Jun 2026. Archived from the original on 1 Jul 2026. Retrieved 30 Jun 2026.
  35. ↑ Corden, Jez (13 Jan 2026). "Jeff Bezos said the quiet part out loud — hopes that you'll give up your PC to rent one from the cloud". Windows Central. Archived from the original on 21 Feb 2026. Retrieved 29 Jun 2026.
  36. ↑ MonkeyExplains (18 Jan 2026). "RAM Prices Are Worse Then You Think". YouTube. Archived from the original on 23 Feb 2026. Retrieved 19 Feb 2026.
  37. ↑ Gamers Nexus (5 Dec 2025). "WTF Just Happened?". YouTube. Archived from the original on 23 Feb 2026. Retrieved 19 Feb 2026.
  38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 Burov, Simon (8 Sep 2025). "Steam Hardware Survey August 2025: Key Changes, Trends, and Takeaways". Gaming.News. Archived from the original on 18 Sep 2025. Retrieved 29 Jun 2026.
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