Hello everyone!

Today we will discuss an issue that emerged at the end of November 2025 and had a noticeable impact on the entire IT industry. Whether you are building a personal computer or a server, these changes affect you as well. I am talking about the sharp increase in RAM prices and how it has impacted everyone.

Today we will cover:

Why did RAM become more expensive?
Will prices go down?
Will other components also increase in price?
How has the RAM price increase affected users?

In this article, I share my thoughts and an analysis based on the facts available today.

Why did RAM become more expensive?

The price increase was caused by a massive boom in AI technologies and their widespread adoption. New models are being released almost daily, especially for image and video generation. To process the enormous volume of online generation requests, companies require huge amounts of server-grade RAM.

It is precisely this corporate demand from data centers and AI-focused companies for server memory (and related components) that has become the key driver behind rising prices across the entire DRAM market. Due to this explosion in AI usage, RAM prices increased by 100–150% in just 2–3 weeks.

Personal experience: I was planning to buy 64 GB of RAM for my personal computer. At the time, this kit cost 4,500 lei (~$270). Now the same memory costs 11,000 lei (~$652). Such a price jump seems insane if you don’t understand the reasons behind it. However, now that you know why prices have surged, it becomes easier to accept the situation.

Will RAM prices go down?

If you want a short answer — yes, RAM prices will go down.

This will not happen immediately, but rather when the market begins to recover — possibly within two to three months. This period could be longer, especially if corporate demand for DRAM remains high. However, once the hype around new AI models such as Sora 2 and other generators starts to fade, RAM prices should return to a more normal range.

Will other components become more expensive?

This is not directly tied to the rise in RAM prices, but yes — other components may also increase in price.

Based on information available as of December 2025, graphics cards are expected to become 10–15% more expensive in 2026, and NVMe SSD prices are also set to rise.

NVMe SSD prices have already started increasing. For example, I use a 1 TB M.2 NVMe SSD Kingston KC3000. When I bought it, it cost 2,289 lei (~$135). Now its price is 3,849 lei (~$230).

Advice: If you need an NVMe SSD, it is better to buy it now.

How will the price increase affect regular users?

If you built your computer a few months ago or even a couple of years ago, you likely won’t feel any impact, as there is little incentive to upgrade components.

However, if you were planning an upgrade, you are now facing a dilemma:

Upgrade now: If RAM and other components continue to rise in price, upgrading now may be the better decision.
Wait: Waiting 2–3 months could be worthwhile, as there is a chance the market will stabilize and prices will drop.

Based on my own experience, I recommend waiting. I plan to upgrade my RAM to 64 GB, but I will revisit this decision closer to April–May, when the market should have stabilized and prices will most likely decrease.

Of course, regular PC users such as gamers have already felt the impact of higher prices, but this boom may subside within a couple of months, allowing you to purchase memory without unnecessary expenses.

How will the price increase affect data centers?

This issue has affected absolutely everyone in the IT industry. Rising prices can lead to serious financial challenges when upgrading or repairing servers.

If RAM or another component that is currently increasing in price fails, it can significantly impact a company’s finances. Unfortunately, data centers cannot afford to “delay” upgrades or replacements of failed components, as business continuity depends on it. They are forced to purchase immediately, regardless of price. Therefore, the best way to minimize risks is proactive and advance procurement.

Conclusion

DDR5 memory prices have increased by 100–150% in a short period, and this has had a significant impact on everyone.

What is the best course of action right now?

If you do not urgently need to upgrade your components, the best decision is to wait.
If upgrading is unavoidable, be prepared to spend more than you initially planned.

A price correction will likely occur within 2–3 months, and by spring 2026 you should be able to purchase RAM at more reasonable prices.

Author of the article: Anatolie Cohaniuc

A blow to the IT industry: How the AI boom raised RAM prices (and more) at the end of 2025.