RAM Prices Are Rising in 2026

RAM prices have risen sharply in recent months, marking a clear reversal from the lows seen in 2023–24. At that time, a 16GB DDR4 module typically sold for ₹2,800 to ₹3,200. Today, the same capacity is priced closer to ₹9,000–₹10,000, while newer DDR5 modules are reaching as high as ₹12,000.

The surge reflects a structural shift in demand rather than a temporary fluctuation. Growth in AI infrastructure and data center expansion has significantly increased the need for high-performance memory, tightening supply for consumer markets. As a result, prices are unlikely to ease in the near term, leaving gamers and everyday users to absorb higher upgrade costs.

At the same time, manufacturers are realigning their priorities. Micron Technology recently announced it will exit its Crucial consumer business by the end of fiscal Q2 2026, ending nearly three decades in the retail RAM and SSD market. The company plans to redirect resources toward higher-margin segments, including AI-driven data centers and enterprise solutions.

The broader impact is already visible. PC component prices have trended upward, and buyers are increasingly delaying purchases in hopes of better pricing—often to little effect. In a market shaped by AI demand, waiting may no longer guarantee savings.

• DDR4 prices increased ~158% in just 3 months (late 2025)
• DDR5 prices surged even faster, rising over 300% in the same period
• Industry-wide DRAM and NAND prices are up ~62% and 40% respectively in early 2026