AI Boom Triples RAM Prices, GPUs Next?

The burgeoning AI industry is dramatically reshaping the consumer tech market, leading to significant price increases for essential components. Manufacturers are prioritizing high-margin AI infrastructure, causing a shortage and subsequent price hike for consumer-grade RAM and SSDs. Some DDR5 RAM kits have reportedly tripled in price, while SSD prices increased by up to 60% in November.

This memory crunch is now expected to affect the pricing of graphics cards (GPUs). Reports indicate potential MSRP increases for AMD GPUs, and NVIDIA is rumored to be altering its VRAM supply to board partners. This situation, coupled with a lack of new GPU releases until mid-2026 or later, suggests a shrinking window for consumers to acquire new GPUs at current prices.

For those considering a GPU upgrade, purchasing sooner is advisable. Recommendations include GPUs with at least 12GB of VRAM, with 16GB preferred. Budget-friendly options like the Intel Arc B580 and mid-range choices such as the RTX 5060 Ti and Radeon RX 9070 are highlighted, emphasizing the importance of securing a purchase before prices inevitably rise further.