RAM Prices Double, Threatening Gaming and Tech Industries
November 26, 2025, 08:38:25 CET – A dramatic surge in Random Access Memory (RAM) costs-prices have effectively doubled-is sending ripples through the technology sector, with the gaming industry bracing for important short-term impacts. The price hike, driven by supply constraints, is already prompting concern from industry leaders and perhaps influencing product release strategies.
The escalating cost of this essential computer component threatens to increase the price of gaming PCs, consoles, and other devices reliant on sufficient memory. Tim Sweeney, CEO and founder of Epic Games, recently warned of a prolonged period of higher RAM prices, forecasting the issue will persist for several years. this increase impacts not only gamers but also manufacturers and consumers across the broader tech landscape.
The root of the problem lies in a confluence of factors impacting the supply of DRAM chips, the type of RAM used in most computers. Major manufacturers like Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron have reduced production in response to softening demand throughout 2024, coupled with increased demand from data centers and artificial intelligence applications. This reduction in output, combined with logistical challenges and geopolitical factors, has created a significant supply-demand imbalance.
Valve is reportedly factoring these increased costs into its pricing strategy for the Steam Machine, currently keeping the final price undisclosed.The company’s caution underscores the widespread uncertainty surrounding component costs and their potential impact on consumer electronics.
The situation is further complex by the cyclical nature of the DRAM market, which historically experiences periods of boom and bust. while analysts predict the market will eventually stabilize, the timing remains uncertain, leaving manufacturers and consumers to navigate a period of elevated prices and potential product delays.
