DDR5 RAM Prices Soar, Now Costing More Than a MacBook Air

For those dreaming of building a new PC or upgrading their current system, the technology landscape has taken a challenging turn. The once-affordable RAM module has transformed into one of the most expensive components, with DDR5 RAM prices reaching unprecedented levels. According to data from PCPartPicker, the cost of 64GB DDR5 RAM kits has now surpassed the $1,000 mark in the global market, turning what was a routine upgrade just six months ago into a luxury investment.

Why Are DDR5 RAM Prices Skyrocketing?

The speed and scale of the price increase are staggering. Had you been shopping in August 2025, the same memory capacity would have cost you less than $250. However, in the last six months, RAM prices have shown a massive 300% increase. A significant portion of this surge, around 50%, occurred in the last month alone. Prices that were hovering in the $600-$700 range just weeks ago have now climbed to four-figure sums.

This situation creates a startling comparison in the consumer market. For instance, in some regions, a high-quality 64GB DDR5 RAM kit can now cost more than Apple’s latest M4-powered MacBook Air. This means a single memory component is being sold for a higher price than a complete, high-performance laptop.

A close-up of DDR5 RAM modules installed on a motherboard.

Factors Behind the Global Memory Shortage

The crisis isn’t solely due to the insatiable memory demands of artificial intelligence technologies. A major contributing factor is that DRAM production capacities are failing to meet the current global demand. Furthermore, manufacturers are phasing out older memory types and directing the supply of new-generation products toward corporate clients with higher profit margins. This leaves the average consumer facing a severe supply shortage and inflated prices.

The dramatic price hike has also led to some unexpected consequences. There are now increasing reports of RAM modules being stolen from display computers, warehouses, and even office systems. What was once a low-value part has become a prime target for thieves. Experts suggest that it will take a considerable amount of time for the market to stabilize and for prices to return to what consumers would consider normal levels.