Why RAM Prices Have Gone Through the Roof — 2025 Explained

Over the past few months, the memory market has flipped and the result has been jaw-dropping price hikes. If you’ve wondered why RAM seems to cost more than it should, you’re not alone.

At Dead or Alive Technology in Wishaw, North Lanarkshire, we’ve already seen interest from customers What’s changed?

• A 64 GB DDR5 kit now costs more than a brand-new PlayStation 5. That’s right: upgraded PC-class memory is now pricier than a full gaming console.
• Compared with earlier this year, prices of newer DDR5 modules have surged by 120–200%. For many builds, RAM alone now costs as much (or more) than entire systems used to.
• For 128 GB kits, prices can reach as high as US $1,000 — a far cry from typical ~US $400 just months ago.

What’s driving it?

The main culprit is the explosive demand for memory from AI data-centres and high-performance computing memory makers are prioritising high-bandwidth and server-class components. That’s squeezing supply for “normal” PC-RAM, pushing prices up steeply.

Moreover, many manufacturers and retailers (particularly in markets such as the U.S.) are already pulling back from standard pricing. Some stores have removed posted prices altogether, asking customers to speak with a sales associate for a “live quote.”

What this means for you

• A 32 GB or 64 GB upgrade that previously cost a modest amount may now consume as much of your hardware budget as a mid-range GPU.
• Because prices are volatile, waiting to buy could mean paying significantly more or worse, simply not finding any stock.
• For retailers like us, this volatility makes it extremely hard to guarantee fair, stable pricing which brings us to an important announcement (see Day 4).

What’s changed?

• A 64 GB DDR5 kit now costs more than a brand-new PlayStation 5. That’s right: upgraded PC-class memory is now pricier than a full gaming console.
• Compared with earlier this year, prices of newer DDR5 modules have surged by 120–200%. For many builds, RAM alone now costs as much (or more) than entire systems used to.
• For 128 GB kits, prices can reach as high as US $1,000 — a far cry from typical ~US $400 just months ago.

What’s driving it?

The main culprit is the explosive demand for memory from AI data-centres and high-performance computing — memory makers are prioritising high-bandwidth and server-class components. That’s squeezing supply for “normal” PC-RAM, pushing prices up steeply.

Moreover, many manufacturers and retailers (particularly in markets such as the U.S.) are already pulling back from standard pricing. Some stores have removed posted prices altogether, asking customers to speak with a sales associate for a “live quote.”

What this means for you

• A 32 GB or 64 GB upgrade that previously cost a modest amount may now consume as much of your hardware budget as a mid-range GPU.
• Because prices are volatile, waiting to buy could mean paying significantly more — or worse, simply not finding any stock.
• For retailers like us, this volatility makes it extremely hard to guarantee fair, stable pricing — which brings us to an important announcement (see Day 4).

In tomorrow’s post: we’ll show how this memory crisis isn’t limited to RAM, SSDs are being pulled up by the same pressures.