Two Factors To Consider as RAM and Storage Costs Rise
RAMageddon is here. But what does that mean? DRAM and SSD availability are tightening — leading to an increase in prices and supply chain constraints.
Why is this happening?
- AI infrastructure requires more memory.
- Capacity is shifting to high-margin AI.
- Mainstream devices feel the most impact.
As suppliers prioritize AI/server demand, conventional DRAM and NAND availability tighten while pricing climbs across devices.
Industry experts are concerned prices could rise by as much as 30% in 2026.
Two factors to consider
Factor one: price increases
- DRAM pricing is up 4–6% already with more increases being anticipated.
- SSD/NAND is rising 10–50% depending on capacity.
Memory pricing is moving from slow and cyclical to fast and structural. AI-driven server demand is pulling supply toward higher-priority segments, which is driving broad price increases.
On the device side, Insight experts are already seeing rising DRAM and SSD/NAND costs, and the biggest exposure shows up first in higher-memory and larger-SSD configurations
Factor two: same price, less device
- Vendors may cut RAM/storage to hold price points.
- The AI PC era has increased baseline RAM pressure.
- High-memory SKUs are being impacted first.
When memory prices surge and supply tightens, OEMs often face three options: Raise prices, take margin hits, or adjust configurations.
Experts believe the shortage is likely to drive higher costs, altered product roadmaps, and potential spec constraints across devices. And some OEMs may cut device RAM and storage to keep price points down.
What to do about it
- Refresh by performance, not by calendar.
- Fix issues before replacing devices.
- Be flexible to avoid peak pricing.
For RAMageddon, buying and storing devices shouldn’t be your only option. You need a solid lifecycle strategy. We recommend a performance-based refresh approach that uses device telemetry to determine which devices can safely stay in service longer, and which should be prioritized for replacement.
Performanced-based refreshes reduce forced purchases during the most volatile pricing periods while protecting user productivity. They also align operational efficiency and sustainability goals by extending the life of devices where performance allows.
Ease the impact of RAMageddon with Flex for Devices.
Insight Flex for Devices will shift your strategy to a performance-based refresh as prices and availability shift.
- Implement a performance-based refresh strategy: Extend devices that still perform and replace what’s truly needed.
- Source from any OEM: Pivot across OEMs when one gets constrained or overpriced.
- Flexible financing options: Lessen budget impact with financing/leasing options.
- Supply-chain resilience and COI options: Reserve inventory and stage devices when timing matters.
Talk to an Insight specialist today. Learn more about Insight Flex and our device lifecycle services to help you weather the memory shortage storm.
Sources:
Insight. (December 2025). Insight Industry Update.
Larsen, L. (2026, Jan. 8). The Daring Attempt to End the Memory Shortage Crisis. WIRED.
