Why is DDR5 RAM so expensive? Prices, culprits and when it will drop
A 32 GB DDR5 kit that cost $59 in 2025 now costs around $429. We explain why AI has driven up memory prices, when they are expected to drop and what to do if you're building a PC.
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DDR5 RAM costs up to seven times more today than it did a year and a half ago. The cheapest kit of 2×16 GB DDR5-6000 was worth $59 in April 2025 and reached $429 on November 3, 2026, according to Tom's Hardware's price tracking. The average price of these kits went from $125 to $617.
The culprit: artificial intelligence
AI data centers need huge amounts of HBM memory, which is used in accelerator cards. Manufacturing HBM consumes capacity from the same factories that produce regular DRAM, and manufacturers prioritize what pays them the most: AI.
Result: there is less memory for PCs and what is available is more expensive.
It's not just RAM
| Component | What's happening |
|---|---|
| RAM DDR5 | 32 GB kits from $59 to $429 (cheapest) |
| DRAM memory (contracts) | +10–15% expected in the fourth quarter of 2026 (TrendForce) |
| NAND memory (SSD) | Contracts +60% in November |
| Graphics | AMD partners have raised prices by around $10 for each 8 GB of VRAM |
When will it go down?
Not soon. The director of Team Group said on November 2 that the worst will come between the last quarter of 2026 and the second quarter of 2027. TrendForce predicts that supply will remain tight throughout 2027. A clear decline does not seem likely before the second half of 2027.
What to do if you're going to buy
- If you already have 16 GB of DDR4 or DDR5, wait: they still work for gaming today.
- If you're building a PC, consider 2×8 GB now and upgrade later, but check that your motherboard has four slots.
- Look for second-hand DDR4 platforms: DDR4 has risen less.
- Compare prices with history before buying; there is a lot of variation between stores.
- Buy an SSD soon if you need it: the NAND price hike has not yet fully reached stores.
Frequently asked questions
Why is RAM going up if PC sales aren't increasing? Because demand comes from AI: factories produce HBM for data centers instead of memory for PCs.
Will RAM go down in 2027? Manufacturers and analysts expect the market to remain tight at least until mid-2027.
Will SSDs also go up? Yes: NAND memory contracts rose 60% in November 2026.
Sources: Tom's Hardware (price tracking), PC Gamer, TweakTown, TrendForce, and statements from the director of Team Group.
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