How much laptop inventory does Intel's OEMs have?

Most of Intel's OEM partners have approximately 9 to 12 months of inventory.

What is Intel doing to reduce reliance on system memory?

Intel has increased the L3 cache on its Core Ultra Series 3 chips and is working on software optimizations.

Will RAM prices continue to rise for laptops in 2026?

While concerns exist, substantial OEM inventory and new chip efficiencies may help stabilize prices for the coming months.

Home / Technology / Laptop Inventory Buys Time Amid RAM Price Fears

Laptop Inventory Buys Time Amid RAM Price Fears

14 Jan

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Summary

Most laptop makers have 9-12 months of inventory.
Intel's L3 cache increase aims to reduce system memory reliance.
Microsoft and ISVs gain memory control for software efficiency.

Laptop Inventory Buys Time Amid RAM Price Fears

Laptop manufacturers have amassed significant inventory, with most partners holding 9 to 12 months of stock. This strategic foresight provides a vital window of relief against the feared RAM pricing crisis. Intel's Senior Director of Product Management, Nish Neelalojanan, confirmed this substantial inventory, which should help stabilize laptop prices in the near future.

Intel is also implementing architectural enhancements to mitigate memory demands. The new Intel Core Ultra Series 3 chips feature a significantly increased L3 cache, accessible by E-cores, which acts as a bridge between the CPU and RAM. This shared memory aims to reduce the reliance on system memory, thereby improving efficiency and potentially offsetting price increases.

Further efficiency gains are expected through improved software memory management. Microsoft is collaborating with Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) to provide better control over system memory allocation. This initiative, coupled with Intel's hardware advancements, seeks to optimize memory usage, making software more efficient and ensuring that new laptops remain accessible despite market pressures.