- AI data centers are gobbling up chips once intended for ordinary consumers
- SSD and RAM prices are rising faster than expected
- DDR4 memory is disappearing as manufacturers try to take advantage of new technology
A growing shortage of memory and memory chips is affecting PC manufacturers and consumers around the world. Some retailers have reportedly halted some sales to stop hoarding.
In Japan, several computer stores in the popular Akihabara district have begun limiting sales of SSDs, hard drives and RAM when they run out.
Distributors have also suspended shipments and stores say they are receiving far fewer deliveries than expected, reducing inventory and forcing some retailers to limit purchases to a few units per customer.
The shortage is spreading across the entire market
The shortage is largely due to growing demand for chips used in AI data centers.
The manufacturers have reoriented their production lines towards the higher segment SSDs, DRAM and other components needed for AI infrastructure are reducing the availability of components in the consumer market, and both gamers and professionals are feeling the pressure.
As a result, storage prices have already doubled and industry analysts expect them to continue rising in the coming months.
Even older technologies like DDR4 RAM, which were once a cheaper option, are now harder to find.
Memory manufacturers are replacing DDR4 with newer, cheaper DDR5 RAM, creating a bottleneck for anyone trying to upgrade older systems.
Companies that still rely on DDR4 components are stockpiling them as much as possible, driving up prices across the board.
Hard drive production will also be affected. Many manufacturers are now prioritizing high-capacity hard drives for AI servers over consumer hard drives, leaving retailers with fewer options.
Meanwhile, smaller PC makers like Minisforum have already announced price increases for all SSD- and DRAM-equipped models, citing a “significant increase in our overall costs.”
While it may make sense to build new factories to address these deficiencies, it is not a panacea.
Building chip factories takes years, and while some experts warn that the current AI boom could turn into a bubble, companies are reluctant to invest heavily in new opportunities.
If the AI market suddenly cools down, there is a risk of a massive oversupply and no one is willing to take that risk.
Anyone looking to build or upgrade a PC will have to pay more up front and wait longer for spare parts.