hardware-trends
Latest stories covering hardware-trends, with summaries and links to related coverage.
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Memory prices climb 500% in 12 months, up to 10x the lowest ever tracked prices
news
8 min read
DDR5 memory prices rose sharply between August 2025 and August 2026, according to PCPartPicker average-price data cited by Tom’s Hardware. A 64GB DDR5-5600 kit increased from $191 to $1,118, while a 64GB DDR5-6000 kit rose from $222 to $1,272. Prices for 32GB DDR5 kits increased from roughly $90–$116 to $425–$572, with high-capacity DDR5 kits nearing 500% year-over-year increases. The headline lists a 128GB DDR5 kit at $3,399, while the included price table lists a $329 best U.S. price for a DDR5-6400 128GB kit. DDR4 prices also climbed, with 32GB kits up roughly 120% to 180% year over year; a DDR4-3200 32GB kit rose from $105 to $281. ComputerBase reported average European RAM prices were 345% higher than in September 2025, while hard-drive and SSD prices increased by more than 125%. Hyperscale buyers have reportedly reserved almost all global DRAM production for 2027. SK hynix CEO Kwak Noh-jung said memory demand could exceed production capacity into 2030, and ADATA chairman Simon Chen said the shortage could last another decade.
RAM prices are forcing companies to choose higher prices, worse specs, or both
opinion
4 min read
Shrinkflation is affecting consumer electronics, leading to higher prices and reduced quality in gadgets by 2026. Major semiconductor companies, including SK Hynix, Samsung, and Micron, have adjusted their production strategies in response to these trends.