Epic CEO: “RAM price increases will be a real problem” — as OpenAI et al. blow up RAM prices, threatening affordability of everything from Xbox to TVs and laptops

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It feels like gamers are constantly facing new challenges, but this current trend will likely affect a much wider range of people than usual.

For years, the popularity of cryptocurrency drove up the cost of graphics cards. Now, the growing interest in artificial intelligence, fueled by companies like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI, is making RAM more expensive and harder to find.

RAM, or random access memory, is your computer’s short-term memory. It quickly stores and accesses information that apps and games need to run smoothly. You’ll find RAM in almost all modern devices, including TVs, smartphones, laptops, and gaming consoles.

The cost of DDR5 RAM for everyday computers has jumped significantly in recent weeks, with some prices more than doubling in just a month. For example, a 32GB kit from Crucial Pro by Micron has seen its price effectively double. Experts suggest prices could continue to rise.

In a recent post on X, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney explained that companies supported by governments, such as OpenAI, are able to secure priority access to RAM production over companies that make products for consumers.

The cost of RAM is expected to rise significantly for gamers over the next few years. This is because manufacturers are prioritizing production for artificial intelligence applications, as data centers are willing to pay much more for the latest DRAM than consumer electronics companies. (Source: https://t.co/VgO2OG4oOr, November 24, 2025)

Major tech companies—including OpenAI, Oracle, Microsoft, Google, and Amazon—are making large agreements with RAM producers like Samsung and SK Hynix to ensure a steady supply for their data centers.

Artificial intelligence is currently the most hyped technology, and governments and investors believe it’s vital for both national security and for businesses looking to cut costs by using robots instead of people. Whether or not that’s actually true, it’s the primary reason prices are going up right now.

Companies like OpenAI are receiving substantial financial support through loans and subsidies, often funded by taxpayers, and consume huge amounts of power, computing resources, and memory. Because they’re backed by governments and significant investment, they can easily outspend traditional consumer electronics manufacturers – like those making laptops, game consoles, and TVs, who already operate on small profit margins – when purchasing essential data center components.

Some companies have been storing extra RAM to protect themselves from rising costs and avoid having to raise prices on their products right away. There was concern this could lead to another price hike for the Xbox Series X|S, which recently became more expensive. However, sources say Microsoft currently has enough RAM in stock for Xbox, Surface devices, and other products, so they’re in a good position for now.

But of course, those stocks will not last forever — for any manufacturer.

Another reason to hate AI

The current excitement around AI doesn’t appear to be fading anytime soon. As supplies of existing technology components run low for manufacturers, we could see prices rise on products like Xbox and PlayStation consoles, TVs, and laptops. The unpredictable demand for AI combined with tariffs caused delays in announcing the price of the Xbox Ally, and we’re still waiting for Steam Machine pricing. Overall, the market is currently very unstable.

Those looking to upgrade their computer’s memory (RAM) will likely be the first to notice price increases. There’s a limited global capacity for RAM production, and demand is expected to outstrip supply for a while. Just three companies – Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron – control around 90% of the market. Big tech manufacturers will be buying chips directly from them, and companies like OpenAI, with significant funding, will be able to secure the bulk of the supply. This means everyday consumers will likely be left with limited options and higher prices for the time being.

This AI trend is adding to a growing list of concerns. Beyond job losses and environmental impacts like increased energy use and water consumption, it’s contributing to the spread of misinformation and even driving up the cost of everyday goods, ultimately harming people’s well-being.

How exactly is AI supposed to be enhancing our lives again …?

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2025-11-24 23:40