Framework calls out Dell for price gouging as it charges 85% less for 32 GB RAM upgrade

The effect of memory supply shortage has started to take its toll on laptops, with GPU pricing also expected to take a big hit in the coming months. Keen-eyed users online have spotted that Dell is currently demanding an insane $550 surcharge to go from 16 GB to 32 GB LPDDR5X memory on the Dell XPS 13. 

Dell’s memory pricing beats even Apple, which is notorious for overpricing memory and storage upgrades. Apple currently charges $400 extra for a 32 GB memory module in the MacBook Air 13 M4 (Available on Amazon). This means that either Dell has no RAM inventory for its products and is forced to factor in the current market conditions, or it is price gouging. Framework thinks it's the latter, as the company has called out Dell on X.

In response to an X post showing Dell’s absurd 32 GB RAM markup, Framework remarks that the company currently only charges $80 more for 32 GB of DDR5-5600 memory. This is a stark contrast to Dell’s $550 and Apple’s $400 surcharge. Framework also explains that, while there is going to be a RAM price increase soon, the company won’t follow the path of Dell’s apparently price gouging and Apple’s routine overcharging for RAM upgrades.

While Framework is committing to staying away from price gouging, we have no doubt that the eventual RAM price bump will be brutal. OpenAI is reportedly holding the majority of the global memory supply and is even allegedly sending employees to buy retail DDR5 kits. So, it is likely that all laptop OEMs will be scrambling for memory soon, which will worsen the already bad RAM shortage. 

When Framework’s inventory runs dry, the company will have to play by the market’s rules and pass the burden on to the consumers. Therefore, if you need a laptop and Framework intrigues you, now is the time to do it.