Is the RAM Shortage Getting Better?
No. As of late October 2026, RAM prices are still rising and analysts expect tight supply to continue into 2027, and possibly through 2028. The shortage is driven by AI demand for memory, which has pulled production capacity away from consumer and server DRAM.
What the Data Shows
- Retail prices: a 32GB DDR5 kit crossed $449 in mid-October 2026. Trackers show DDR5 averaging about $18 to $20 per GB, up roughly 16 percent in 30 days.
- Contract prices: TrendForce forecast on October 20 that fourth-quarter DRAM contract prices would rise about 20 percent over the previous quarter. Barclays data showed DDR4 contract prices up 24 percent and DDR5 up 20 percent over three months.
- Spot price index: the DDR4 chip spot price rose from $12.18 in November 2025 to about $47 in October 2026.
- Supply: IDC expects DRAM supply to grow only about 16 percent, and Micron's forecast calls for tight conditions through 2028.
Should You Buy RAM Now or Wait?
Waiting is unlikely to lower the price soon. If you need RAM for a build or upgrade, buy only the capacity you need. If your laptop's RAM is soldered, choose the right capacity at purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is RAM so expensive?
Memory makers have shifted capacity toward high-bandwidth memory for AI accelerators, which tightens supply of regular DDR5 and DDR4.
When will RAM prices come down?
Analysts point to gradual stabilization rather than a sharp drop, with tightness likely into 2027.
Is DDR4 cheaper than DDR5?
Per gigabyte, yes, but DDR4 prices have risen sharply too.