The RAM Scams & Price Inflation No One Saw Coming

Essential Information

• RAM prices have skyrocketed; 16GB DDR5 kits are now more expensive, while 32GB and 64GB kits can be pricier than some gaming consoles.
• The rising demand for AI is contributing to shortages, as manufacturers focus on producing high-speed memory chips for AI applications and data centers.
• Shortages could intensify in early 2026, potentially driving up PC prices and resulting in some systems being sold without RAM.
• RAM scams are increasing, with low-quality or older modules being falsely labeled as premium DDR5, even on platforms like Amazon.

In recent months, RAM prices have significantly increased. A 16GB DDR5 stick that was once budget-friendly now comes with a hefty price tag, and larger kits such as 32GB or 64GB can even exceed the cost of a complete gaming console, like the PlayStation, in some regions.

The primary driver behind these changes is the increasing demand for AI technologies. Memory manufacturers are reallocating production towards high-speed chips specifically for AI, which reduces the availability for traditional PCs and smartphones. Major AI and cloud companies often secure memory supplies years in advance, limiting the available stock for average consumers and causing an uptick in prices for laptops, tablets, and smartphones — a trend that is expected to persist.

The RAM shortage could become more severe in early 2026, keeping prices elevated. With new manufacturing facilities still years away, supply is unlikely to improve until 2027-2028, leading to higher PC costs and some systems being sold without RAM, compelling buyers to incur additional expenses.

As if this weren’t enough, RAM scams are proliferating. Fraudulent sellers are marketing cheap, substandard modules as premium kits, using fake labels or modified heat spreaders, often at inflated prices while making false speed claims. Reports of customers ordering DDR5 kits only to receive older or incompatible RAM—concealed in properly sealed boxes—are being reported even on reputable platforms like Amazon. This reality underscores how rising prices and shortages are being exploited, even on trusted sites.

In light of rising prices, persistent shortages, and the escalation of scams, purchasers should exercise caution, verify specifications meticulously, research sellers thoroughly, and, if buying from Amazon, document the unboxing process to safeguard against potential fraud with RAM kits.