Overview
- Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron are reallocating capacity to HBM and server DRAM, with Micron confirming it is winding down Crucial’s consumer business to prioritize data centers.
- Analysts expect further memory price increases into 2026, with Counterpoint Research forecasting roughly 30% in late 2025 and another 20% early next year.
- Secondary-market scalping has escalated, with recent eBay sales showing DDR5 kits fetching four- to seven-times pre-shortage pricing, including transactions over $2,000.
- PC builders such as CyberPowerPC and Maingear have raised system prices, Dell is signaling supply pressure and potential increases, and Lenovo is buffered for now by large inventories.
- TrendForce reports phone and laptop makers may curb RAM capacities and raise prices in 2026, with budget and mid-range devices most affected and some production volumes likely trimmed.