Key Takeaways
1. DDR5 RAM prices have surged by 30 to 50% in recent months, with a G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB 32GB kit now costing around €183, up from €120.
2. The Reddit community is blaming the increased demand from AI data centers, with major companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and OpenAI purchasing large quantities of DRAM.
3. Adata has reported an “acute supply shortage,” focusing on bulk orders from big clients, which limits options for retail buyers.
4. Speculation suggests OpenAI may have secured up to 40% of the global DRAM supply, reminiscent of the previous GPU price surge during the crypto-mining craze.
5. Some users believe manufacturers might be raising prices ahead of Black Friday, and DDR5 prices could potentially rise another 30% by the end of 2026, prompting buyers to consider their options carefully.
Reddit is filled with anger. In a post named “These RAM prices isn’t funny anymore, guys,” PC fans are airing their worries about the sharp increase in DDR5 RAM prices. Over the last few months, these prices have surged by 30 to 50%. The German comparison website Idealo reports that the G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB 32GB kit is now priced at about €183, including shipping from Swiss retailer Galaxus. This kit was previously sold for around €120, showing a rise of approximately 50%.
Community Blames AI Demand
The Reddit users have quickly blamed what they think is the leading cause of these high prices: the boom of AI. Data centers that support artificial intelligence are creating huge demand for DRAM. Major companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and OpenAI are purchasing large amounts of memory to support the training and use of AI models. Adata, a memory manufacturer, has even indicated there’s an “acute supply shortage” and is now focusing on bulk orders from big clients, which is leaving the retail market with fewer options.
Speculation and Comparisons
People on Reddit are guessing that OpenAI may have secured up to 40% of the global DRAM supply for an extended period. This scenario feels familiar to many, as it reminds them of the previous crypto-mining craze that caused GPU prices to skyrocket. Although AI demand is viewed as the primary reason, the community thinks there are other factors involved. Some users suspect that manufacturers are raising prices ahead of Black Friday to make future discounts seem more appealing, while others suggest there are changing production focuses – with DDR4 slowly being replaced by DDR5, pushing up costs for older systems as well. According to Adata, DDR5 prices could jump another 30% by the end of 2026. For those planning to upgrade, it may be smart to carefully consider the cost of DDR5 or think about whether being patient might be the better choice this time.
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