The explosion of artificial intelligence (AI) is creating a new crisis in the technology industry called "RAMageddon", a term used to refer to the global memory chip shortage that is causing prices of laptops, phones and many electronic devices to escalate.
The main reason comes from the huge demand of AI data centers. Systems operating models such as ChatGPT, Gemini or Claude need a large amount of high-bandwidth memory (HBM), a type of extremely high-speed memory chip used for AI servers.
This makes memory manufacturers prioritize supplying chips to the AI industry instead of the consumer electronics market.
According to analysts, the memory market is currently dominated by three giants: Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron.
As AI explodes, these companies shift resources to memory production for data centers because of much higher profits than chips for laptops or smartphones.
Jitesh Ubrani, an expert at market research and technology consulting firm IDC (USA), said that the current problem is not a complete memory shortage but the distribution of supply. Memory for AI is more valuable, so it should be prioritized.
As a result, the prices of DRAM and NAND (two common types of memory in computers and phones) are increasing sharply.
Counterpoint Research, a market research company specializing in monitoring the global consumer electronics and technology industry, said that DRAM prices in the first quarter of this year increased by 80-90% compared to the previous quarter.
And the research and technology consulting company Gartner calls this situation "memory inflation", and forecasts that by 2026, the price of DRAM memory chips may increase by 125% compared to the present, while NAND flash memory may increase by up to 234%.
This situation directly affects consumers. Device manufacturers may increase prices, reduce memory configuration, or delay launching new products to cut costs.
Cheap laptop models are forecast to be the most heavily affected. According to Gartner, the $500 USD under-computer segment may disappear before 2028 due to increasing memory costs. Cheap Chromebook lines are also gradually shrinking.
Meanwhile, new generation AI computers require more RAM. Microsoft requires at least 16GB of RAM for the Copilot Plus PC line, while Apple also makes 16GB the basic level for Macs supporting Apple Intelligence.
This creates a paradox that AI both makes memory more expensive and forces users to buy devices with more RAM.
Experts warn buyers not to just look at the "AI PC" or "AI device" label when choosing a new laptop. RAM capacity and storage memory are important factors determining the lifespan of the device.
According to IDC, 16GB of RAM is currently considered the minimum level for long-term laptops, while needs for gaming, video editing or local AI may require up to 32GB of RAM.
Experts also predict that memory prices are unlikely to drop sharply before 2027 or 2028. Therefore, if you need to upgrade your device in the near future, users may not save much by waiting.
