DDR5 memory prices are climbing fast, and that’s already shaking up laptop strategies. According to a new TrendForce report, manufacturers like Dell and Lenovo are planning to load more mid-range laptops with just 8GB of RAM a spec that feels more budget than balanced in 2025.
8GB DDR5 RAM could become the new mid-range standard
TrendForce’s outlook suggests laptop makers will dial back memory configurations to control costs. That could leave mid-tier machines once reliable all-rounders barely capable of handling multitasking or heavier software.
These aren’t Chromebooks or entry-level budget builds, either. We’re talking about systems that traditionally came with 16GB minimum, often aimed at creative professionals, gamers, and office power users. If the trend holds, buyers may soon need to spend premium dollars just to keep up with Windows 11.
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Sticker shock spreads as DDR5 hits all segments
Dell and Framework have already nudged prices up on RAM upgrades, making affordable customization tougher. And it’s not just the mid-tier feeling the squeeze. High-end gaming or workstation laptops with 32GB or 64GB of DDR5 memory are expected to carry even steeper price tags moving forward.
Meanwhile, the low end isn’t safe either. Budget laptops, already skating by with minimal specs, would struggle even more if cut down further—especially under the weight of bloated modern operating systems.
Here’s how manufacturers are being affected:
- Mid-range devices may standardize on 8GB to control pricing
- Premium laptops likely to see higher MSRPs with 32GB+ memory
- Budget models can’t afford to downgrade further without usability loss
- Ultrathins with soldered RAM could face redesign pressure
Bloatware and Windows updates make 8GB hurt more
One key issue isn’t just hardware—it’s software. Users are pushing back against unnecessary bloat in factory installs, which drain resources even before you launch a browser. And with every new Windows version gobbling up more RAM in the background, 8GB is increasingly a tight squeeze.
It’s an ugly mix: leaner hardware, fatter software, and little room to upgrade—especially on laptops with non-removable RAM.
DDR5 crunch driven by AI demand, not just laptops
The situation isn’t isolated to notebooks. AI data centers have created enormous demand for DDR5 memory, squeezing supply chains that were already under pressure. Smartphone manufacturers are reportedly adjusting inventory strategies, too, trying to avoid future stock issues.
Some companies may weather the spike better than others. Those sitting on component reserves could delay price hikes. Others might absorb short-term losses, gambling that memory costs ease by mid-2026.
Until then, buyers hoping for performance at mid-range prices might need to lower expectations—or pay more for less compromise.
