RAM and storage prices have climbed sharply, apparently because AI companies are using so much computing and memory capacity. I was planning to build a PC, but seeing how much more the same components cost compared with older prices has made me hesitate. Is there a realistic timeframe for prices to drop, or should I just buy the parts I need now?
4 Answers
A practical budget option is building around older platforms and used parts. An AM4 system with a Ryzen 5 5500, 16 GB of DDR4, a reputable power supply, a SATA SSD, and a used midrange graphics card can still make a capable 1080p gaming PC for far less than a new high-end build. Just be careful with used power supplies and check the condition and health of used drives.
This is more of a supply-and-demand problem than ordinary inflation. RAM and storage prices are cyclical and can fall when supply catches up, but manufacturers are expanding cautiously after being burned by previous overproduction. A reasonable guess is that prices remain volatile for the next two or three years, with noticeable improvement perhaps around 2028 or later.
If you need the computer now, I would not wait solely for a hoped-for price drop. The market is difficult to time, and prices could be higher by the time you finally buy. Look for sales, compare retailers, and consider buying only the parts you need immediately. CPUs are generally in better shape than RAM and storage, while used storage or a hard drive can sometimes reduce the cost if your workload allows it.
Most estimates point to prices staying elevated through 2027 and possibly into 2028. Memory manufacturers are adding capacity, but new facilities take years to build, and much of the upcoming production has already been committed. Prices could improve sooner if AI spending drops sharply, but nobody can predict that reliably.
2028 is often mentioned because that is when several new memory facilities may begin adding meaningful capacity. Even then, relief would probably be gradual rather than an immediate return to old prices.
Exactly—when inflation slows, it usually means prices are rising more slowly, not that they return to what they used to cost. Component prices can still decline, but that depends on the memory market specifically.