AI Demand Drives PC RAM Prices Above PlayStation 5, Sparking Industry Concern
The escalating costs of essential computer components, fueled by the surging demand for artificial intelligence, have reached a critical point: 64 GB of RAM now costs more than a PlayStation 5 in the United States. This unprecedented price surge is impacting gamers, PC builders, and the broader tech industry, raising concerns about accessibility and future innovation.
The current market conditions represent a continuation of challenges faced since mid-2020, initially triggered by the cryptocurrency boom and now exacerbated by the AI revolution. Consumers are once again grappling with significant price increases on vital components, with DDR5 memory – a necessity for modern Intel and AMD processors – experiencing record-high valuations.
Currently, a 64 GB kit of G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo DDR5 memory, operating at 6000 MT/s, is listed for US$599.99 at Newegg. This price point, even with promotional discounts, exceeds the cost of several popular gaming consoles. A comparative look reveals the following:
| Product | Current Price | Observations |
|---|---|---|
| G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo 64GB DDR5 | US$599 | RAM memory kit for PC (discounted) |
| PlayStation 5 Pro | US$649 | Console from Sony |
| Xbox Series S | US$399 | Console from Microsoft |
| PlayStation 5 Slim with Disc Drive | US$449 | Console from Sony |
This dramatic increase is a recent phenomenon. Monitoring data indicates that the same G.Skill memory kit was available for between US$205 and US$220 just months ago. Beginning in late October, prices began a steady ascent, culminating in a jump to US$640 within a two-month period – a staggering increase of approximately 190%.
“The growth coincides with the first signs of impact of demand for AI in the sector,” one industry analyst noted, “a phenomenon that was soon reflected in the cost of DDR5 memory.” The prioritization of AI projects by manufacturers is leading to reduced supply for other consumer segments.
The shortage extends beyond RAM. Hard disk drives (HDDs) are experiencing reduced availability, prompting some users to consider microSD cards as alternatives. Large-capacity HDDs for corporate storage are facing estimated delivery times of up to two years, driving demand for QLC SSDs. Some distributors have even resorted to “tie-in” sales, requiring customers to purchase memory and motherboards together.
Industry experts predict that limitations in the production of DRAM and NAND chips will persist until at least 2026, as major technology companies continue to invest heavily in AI development. This will likely impact the pricing of Valve’s upcoming Steam Machine, given its production timeline.
However, the memory market is historically cyclical, alternating between periods of oversupply and scarcity. Considering this pattern, it is plausible that DDR5 prices will return to more accessible levels by 2027.
The current situation echoes the challenges faced by gamers since 2020, first with the cryptocurrency boom and now with the AI surge. As one observer put it, “players’ new villain… and now we just have to wait and watch how the situation unfolds.”
