Recently, the prices of RAM have been steadily increasing. Currently, a PS5 is cheaper than a 64-gigabyte kit. The community is reacting and has already found a culprit. Companies focused on AI are said to be responsible for the current prices.
How expensive is RAM right now? Since October 2025, prices for RAM have increased. First by up to 100 percent more, and now even further. (via de.pcpartpicker.com) are now so high that some DDR5 RAM kits cost more than 700 euros.
One of these modules is a 64 GB RAM kit from Corsair. Its price is now around 550 euros and up (as of 25.11.2025, via Geizhals). For comparison: a PS5 Pro currently costs about 550-600 euros.
DDR4 RAM has not risen as sharply, but there is still a price increase of up to 90 percent since June 2025. The trend is also increasing.
If you are wondering what the PS5 Pro can actually do, take a look at the official release trailer:
Reactions to the rising RAM prices are clear
How is the community reacting? Reddit, Facebook, YouTube, and X are filled with posts about RAM prices: Many users are shocked and blame AI companies for the prices. Users on X.com report:
- Grummz writes: “This is not good, … RAM prices have skyrocketed due to AI demand.”
- Kingor Roy Tirtho says: “Guys, I think it’s time for the AI bubble to burst. What are these DDR5 RAM prices. We could buy a PS5 for that.”
On Reddit the opinions are similar:
- Lighthouse_seek reports: “Apparently, OpenAI has hoovered up all high-bandwidth memory (about 40 percent of total production) and thus prices have risen.”
- Cpt_Soban says: “We’re back to the crypto bottlenecks. This time it’s due to poor AI programs.”
AI companies as the trigger for the RAM crisis
Why are prices rising? The current prices are closely linked to the increasing growth of the AI scene. AI companies like OpenAI have increasingly purchased high-bandwidth RAM modules in the past to meet their growing demand. This has resulted in shortages, causing various manufacturers to buy up the remaining RAM. As a result, prices are said to have risen.
For example, OpenAI is said to have signed a contract with Samsung and SK Hynix that ensures that with their Stargate project they will consume about 40 percent of the world’s RAM resources (via tomshardware). Behind Stargate is an extensive infrastructure project involving companies like Oracle, NVIDIA, and OpenAI.
An end to the price increases is not yet in sight. Right now, it looks like prices will continue to rise. How RAM prices will affect other components remains to be seen. However, the high RAM prices are likely to impact the new Steam Machine, as Valve has now explained: Fans hoped that the Steam Machine would take over the console market, now Valve comments on the price
