PC memory costs several times what it used to because the factories that make it are busy supplying AI data centers. By June 2026, the cheapest 32GB DDR5 kit cost $374.97, almost four times what it once did.
What memory costs now
| Kit | Price (June 2026) |
|---|---|
| 16GB DDR5 | about $200 at one retailer |
| 32GB DDR5 (cheapest) | $374.97 |
| 64GB DDR5 | $679.99 |
Source: Tom's Hardware, June 3, 2026. A year earlier, 16GB kits routinely cost under $100.
Why it happened
AI servers use enormous amounts of DRAM, and memory makers have shifted production toward them. The same shortage is cutting graphics card supply, since every card needs memory chips (Windows Central).
When it might end
SK hynix has warned that manufacturing constraints will last through 2030, and Tom's Hardware saw no sign of prices easing before then. Plan as if memory stays expensive for a while.
How to buy RAM now
- 32GB is still the sensible target for gaming. 64GB costs nearly double for little gain in games.
- Buy a matched kit once rather than adding sticks later; mixing kits can cause stability problems.
- Prices are volatile and promo codes come and go. A good deal can vanish in a day, so set an alert for the kit you want.