RAM traded like on the stock exchange – retailers pull price tags, customers must ask
RAM prices have surged in recent months, largely driven by booming demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) used in AI accelerators. This trend has prompted major manufacturers such as Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron to shift production toward these more profitable AI chips. The result is a classic supply shortage that continues to push prices higher. A clear example is the Crucial Pro DDR5-6400 CL40 64 GB kit. According to the German price comparison site Idealo, its price has nearly doubled since early October.
The reasoning behind the shift is simple: HBM chips offer far higher profit margins than standard DDR4 or DDR5 RAM. Traditional DRAM modules are sold in a highly competitive market with slim margins, whereas AI server makers like Nvidia and AMD are willing to pay premium prices to secure timely production of their accelerator cards. For chip manufacturers, focusing on HBM production is therefore far more profitable – even if it means the PC market faces supply shortages in the meantime.
Right now, memory prices aren’t just high – they’re also highly volatile. The market is behaving more like a stock exchange, with prices shifting rapidly. On Reddit, users report that some US retailers have even removed all price tags from their RAM modules. Instead, customers are told to ask staff for the current price.
The sharp price fluctuations are largely driven by the unpredictable nature of the wholesale market. With HBM production pulling resources away from traditional DRAM, many retailers are scrambling to secure remaining stock – often at higher prices. These last-minute purchases, combined with limited supply, can push buying costs to change several times a day. As a result, printed price tags become outdated almost immediately.
The situation has sparked lively debates on Reddit, where users are comparing the current RAM market to cryptocurrencies or meme stocks because of its unpredictable swings. Many express frustration as planned PC upgrades suddenly become unaffordable, with some RAM kits costing twice as much as they did just a week ago. For now, it remains unclear how long this price surge will continue.
