In November 2025, many big tech companies were investing billions of dollars into RAM, as well as other computer parts to use for the new big AI databases. RAM (Random Access Memory) is essential for modern-day computing.
Before November 2025, you could buy 64 GB of DDR5 ram as low as $190 to $230. Post shortage, prices skyrocketed, going up to $500 to even as high as $1000, according to a report from Microsoft. This price hike is affecting consumers, gamers, students, and teachers.
Computers are not the only devices affected by the RAM shortage, frequently referred to as “RAMageddon” online; phones are too. Many Android phones are starting to reduce RAM for lower-budget phones, going down to a meager 4 GB of RAM for entry-level options and 8 GB for mid-range. Consumers can expect iPhones to be more expensive in the near future if they wish to have the same or more RAM as in previous models. Gabe, a technician at San Diego High School, agreed that “a shortage [means] demand is higher, prices go up because of course, it is a business, so they want to pass on any excuse to pass onto the consumer and make more money.”
Mr. Ken Marushige, a physics teacher here at San Diego High School, said. “It’s been pretty dramatic, I’ve been looking for a gaming PC, whether I want to buy one or whether I want to build one… RAM used to be super cheap, and that used to be months ago. It happened towards the end of 2025 that RAM prices shot up for some reason.”
Although the use of AI has been helpful for the world and many projects, the demand for parts by manufacturers such as Micron has significantly impacted the consumer market. This effect is already felt by those in the gaming market, but it will soon begin to put pressure on those consumers looking to get any type of computing device, from phones to laptops.
