AI isn’t just changing how we work. It’s changing what we pay for the tools we work with.
The memory chips that go into every computer, phone, and server just hit an “unprecedented” shortage (Micron’s words, not ours). Prices are spiking 50% in some categories. And if you’re planning to buy a new laptop, upgrade your phone, or refresh your office computers this year, you’re about to feel it.
What’s Happening Right Now
Companies like Nvidia, Google, and Microsoft are buying every memory chip they can get. The problem? There are only three companies that make nearly all the world’s memory: Micron, SK Hynix, and Samsung. And they’re completely sold out for 2026.
Here’s what that looks like:
- Micron: “We’re sold out for 2026“
- SK Hynix: Entire 2026 output already booked
- Samsung: Operating profit nearly tripled
- Average DRAM prices: Up 50-55% this quarter
Translation: If you’re not a massive cloud provider, you’re at the back of the line.
Why This Happened So Fast
AI memory is incredibly complex. When manufacturers make one unit of high-bandwidth memory for AI systems, they give up making three units of regular memory for laptops and phones (that’s a 3-to-1 trade-off). Data centers pay more and aren’t price-sensitive (your new laptop can wait), so memory makers prioritize AI contracts over everything else.
The result? A tech professional loaded his computer with 256GB of RAM a few months ago for $300. Today, that same amount costs roughly $3,000.
Your Business Devices Just Got More Expensive
What’s going up in price:
- Laptops: Memory now 20% of hardware costs (up from 10-18%)
- Smartphones: Prices rising as manufacturers pass on costs
- Servers: Data center memory prices spiking even faster
- Desktop PCs: RAM prices doubling or tripling in months
Dell’s COO said it plainly: “I don’t see how this will not make its way into the customer base.”
What This Means for Your Business
Budget more for hardware refreshes. That fleet of laptops you planned to replace? The cost just went up. New factories won’t come online until 2027-2028 (so don’t expect prices to drop soon).
Consider timing carefully. Waiting might mean missing refresh cycles or dealing with outdated equipment.
Watch for compromises. Manufacturers are shipping devices with less memory to hit price points. Read the fine print.
This is a preview of how AI reshapes supply chains. The same AI boom delivering better tools is also making the technology you depend on more expensive (ironic, right?). You need AI to stay competitive, but AI also drives up your costs.
What GiaSpace Recommends
- Lock in orders sooner rather than later. If you’re planning upgrades in the next 12-18 months, don’t wait.
- Prioritize critical systems first. Focus on infrastructure that directly impacts productivity and security.
- Don’t cheap out on mission-critical systems. Underpowered infrastructure costs more in lost productivity than you save on hardware.
At GiaSpace, we’re helping Florida businesses navigate supply chain challenges and make smart technology investments even when the market gets unpredictable.
Need help planning your technology investments for 2026?
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Published: Jan 20, 2026
