RAMageddon Watch (May 2026): The Latest Tech News and Developments Regarding the RAM Crisis

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The first few years of the 2020s have been challenging for gaming hardware. Just as manufacturers were starting to overcome supply chain problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic – which severely impacted the launches of consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S – they encountered a new issue: the growing demand for RAM from artificial intelligence data centers.

If you’ve been trying to build a computer recently, you’ve likely noticed that some parts are difficult to find and more expensive. Specifically, RAM (both DDR4 and DDR5) and storage drives – like hard drives and SSDs – have seen significant price increases. This is largely due to huge investments in artificial intelligence. Last year, AI companies received 61% of all venture capital funding worldwide, totaling $258.7 billion. Unfortunately, this means RAM and SSD prices are likely to continue rising for the foreseeable future.

Don’t Expect Ram Shortages to Stop Any Time Soon

AI Data Centers Continue to Put Global RAM Supplies in a Chokehold

You’ve probably seen reports about the environmental impact of AI. A common concern is the large amount of water used by AI data centers. But it’s also important to remember that AI requires a lot of physical resources, like high-bandwidth memory (a type of RAM commonly used in computers and graphics cards). Because generative AI is a rapidly growing industry, it’s putting a huge strain on the supply of these materials. In fact, analysts estimate that OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, had already reserved as much as 40% of the world’s high-bandwidth memory supply by 2025.

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RAM prices have soared globally, increasing by 200% to 400%. At the same time, demand for the materials needed to make RAM has jumped, making shortages even worse. We’re also seeing a worrying drop in the availability of NAND storage, which is used in both hard drives and SSDs. This will likely cause prices for other computer components, like CPUs, to rise quickly as well.

This trend shows no signs of stopping, and many financial reports indicate it’s actually picking up speed. For example, a 2024 study by McKinsey & Company forecasts that demand for data centers could jump by 27% by 2030, requiring almost five times more electricity than they currently use. This level of growth will require a huge amount of materials. As of April 2026, Samsung and SK Hynix—the companies that provide around 90% of the world’s dynamic RAM—have stated they likely won’t be able to meet demand through 2027.

Geopolitical Factors Further Complicate Components Manufacturing and Shipping

While the AI industry has had a bigger effect on RAM prices, President Trump’s tariffs and increased global instability have definitely made the problem worse. In addition to these tariffs and disruptions to supply chains caused by conflict, many tech companies have reduced their international trade. For example, in 2025, as Trump announced significant tariffs and tough trade policies, both Samsung and SK Hynix stopped shipping older semiconductor production machines to China, a major hub for electronics manufacturing. These machines, which are normally essential for global tech production, are now just sitting idle in storage.

The RAM market could face further challenges in May due to ongoing labor disputes at Samsung. The company’s union is planning an 18-day strike beginning May 21st, which could disrupt production.

What Gaming Hardware Will Be Affected by the Ongoing RAM Shortage, and for How Long?

Steam announced that the new Steam Controller hasn’t been impacted by the recent parts shortages, which is a rare bit of good news in the gaming world. Most other tech, however, is likely to become more expensive for the next few years, and prices might even keep going up. While this problem feels serious now, it could get worse. Companies developing artificial intelligence, like OpenAI, are still in the early stages of development, and their need for powerful hardware and energy will increase as AI becomes more popular.

Upcoming Gaming Hardware That Will Likely Be Impacted by the RAM and SSD Crisis

  • PlayStation 6
  • Project Helix (next Xbox)
  • Steam Machine
  • Steam Deck 2
  • Steam Frame
  • All GPUs and SSD wafers
  • All pre-built PCs
  • All new laptops, desktops, and mobile devices

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The current AI boom might not continue indefinitely. Most AI companies are still losing money, and excitement around the technology has cooled down as major breakthroughs become less common. If investors become more pessimistic, AI companies may slow down building new data centers, which could ease demand for materials like those mentioned earlier. Alternatively, the industry could experience a bubble – lots of investment without substantial results – fundamentally changing how we talk about AI. Technological advancements could also improve efficiency or offer alternatives, reducing the strain on resources. Finally, the strong political support for AI, particularly in Western countries, could shift. Political changes, especially in the US, make this shift seem increasingly likely.

Even if things go well, fixing the current RAM issues will take time. We’ll likely see a period of adjustment where changes to how supplies are managed, resources are used, and gaps in leadership could cause delays or new problems before lower prices reach consumers. Crucially, resolving the challenges facing AI data centers won’t happen automatically. People in democracies – lawmakers, local officials, and citizens alike – need to actively advocate for sensible AI rules if they want them. And consumers can influence the direction of AI by choosing to support companies that align with their values.

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2026-05-02 13:06