RAM Shortage: Difference between revisions

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On October 1st 2025, OpenAI signed deals with major memory manufacturers to secure 40% of global RAM production.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shilov |first=Anton |date=2025-10-01 |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 |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=Tom's Hardware |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 datacenters 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 |date=2026-01-14 |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 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-19 |website=Tom's Guide |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 handheld systems. Many of these companies are already locking in exclusive deals to secure RAM supplies separate from the AI-related demand mentioned above. Earingcalls from Sony<ref name=":0" /> and Nintendo reveal this even before the Media will pick up on it.

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 handheld systems. Many of these companies are already locking in exclusive deals to secure RAM supplies separate from the AI-related demand mentioned above. Earingcalls from Sony<ref name=":0" /> and Nintendo<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-03-02 |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 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-04-06 |website=https://www.nintendo.co.jp}}</ref> reveal this even before the Media 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.

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 On October 1st 2025, OpenAI signed deals with major memory manufacturers to secure 40% of global RAM production.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shilov |first=Anton |date=2025-10-01 |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 |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=Tom's Hardware |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 datacenters 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 |date=2026-01-14 |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 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-19 |website=Tom's Guide |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 handheld systems. Many of these companies are already locking in exclusive deals to secure RAM supplies separate from the AI-related demand mentioned above. Earingcalls from Sony<ref name=":0" /> and Nintendo reveal this even before the Media will pick up on it.
+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 handheld systems. Many of these companies are already locking in exclusive deals to secure RAM supplies separate from the AI-related demand mentioned above. Earingcalls from Sony<ref name=":0" /> and Nintendo<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-03-02 |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 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-04-06 |website=https://www.nintendo.co.jp}}</ref> reveal this even before the Media 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.