Laptop Makers May Overcome RAM Price Surge Soon

The prices of RAM modules have surged dramatically over recent months, impacting both consumers and laptop manufacturers. This increase has been primarily driven by a heightened demand for memory chips used in artificial intelligence (AI) data centers. According to Intel’s Senior Director of Product Management, Nish Neelalojanan, the worst of this pricing crisis may soon be a thing of the past.

In a discussion with Tom’s Guide, Neelalojanan highlighted that many laptop manufacturers, particularly those collaborating with Intel, have maintained substantial inventories of RAM modules. These stocks are expected to last between 9 to 12 months, which could cushion the impact of ongoing price volatility. Given that many companies have already prepaid for RAM intended for products set to launch in 2026, Neelalojanan anticipates a stabilization in prices, preventing further sharp increases similar to those seen in 2025.

The ramifications of the RAM price hikes have been significant. In just a few weeks starting in the third quarter of 2025, prices surged from reasonable figures to exorbitant levels. For instance, the price of G.Skill’s Trident Z5 Neo (2 x 32GB) RGB DDR5-6000 RAM jumped from approximately $220 in September to nearly $919.99 by December 2025. This trend extends beyond high-end products, with entry-level RAM modules also seeing substantial price increases, as evidenced by community discussions on platforms like Reddit.

Data from Amazon and price-tracking services like Keepa reveal that a 2x16GB DDR5 RAM module that was previously priced at $108 has now soared to $379. Meanwhile, a premium 2x16GB DDR5 RAM module, which was around $200, is now listed at $439.99.

Major laptop manufacturers have not been spared from these price fluctuations. In December 2025, Dell reported price increases of between $130 and $230 for its commercial laptops and desktops equipped with 32 GB of RAM. Similarly, starting in early 2026, Asus announced its own price hikes, while the modular laptop maker Framework implemented two increases in quick succession throughout 2025.

Despite the troubling trends observed through mid-January 2026, recent data indicates that RAM prices have begun to stabilize across various types and price bands. Reports from PCPartPicker show that prices have leveled off for both entry-level DDR4-3200 (2x8GB) and higher-end DDR5-5200 (2x16GB) modules. Only niche, high-performance RAM modules, such as those rated DDR5-5600 and DDR5-6000, continue to experience price increases, albeit at a slower pace than previously seen.

Neelalojanan’s assessment aligns with the latest market data, suggesting that RAM prices may return to levels seen in mid-2025, benefiting both manufacturers and consumers in the long term. However, the potential for increased demand in the latter half of 2026 poses a risk for price volatility. With memory manufacturers ramping up production and companies taking a more cautious approach to RAM procurement, there is cautious optimism that the industry has weathered the most severe phase of the price surge.

For both PC makers and consumers eyeing new laptops in 2026, the hope is that RAM prices will continue to stabilize, making technology more accessible once again. Despite the current leveling off, RAM remains a significant investment for buyers.