**The AI Boom: Why RAM and SSD Prices are Exploding and Leaving PC Consumers in the Dust**
As we wrap up 2025, a crisis is unfolding that’s leaving computer enthusiasts and consumers worldwide wondering how they’ll ever afford their next upgrade. RAM prices have skyrocketed by up to 500%, while SSD prices have doubled in just a few months. The reason behind this surge is simple yet brutal: AI giants are buying up all available memory, leaving ordinary computer users stuck in the slow lane.
**The Numbers Don’t Lie**
RAM prices have increased by a staggering 300-500% between September and December 2025. SSD prices have followed suit, doubling during the same period. The writing is on the wall: OpenAI’s Stargate project will consume up to 40% of the world’s DRAM production. For every GB of AI memory, 3 GB of regular RAM is sacrificed in production. Micron has even shut down its Essential division to prioritize AI customers.
**The Biggest Players are Focusing on AI**
Most hardware manufacturers that traditionally target consumers are now focusing on the AI segment and selling to large corporations. And it’s no wonder why – many of these companies have made a killing off consumer purchases in the past. But what about us, the ordinary computer users?
**OpenAI and Nvidia: The Power Couple of AI**
OpenAI is at the center of this crisis, alongside Nvidia. The company signed agreements with Samsung and SK Hynix for its massive Stargate project, a world-scale effort on AI data centers that’s hard to imagine. This project requires 900,000 DRAM wafers per month, equivalent to about 40% of the world’s total DRAM production.
**The Consequences are Devastating**
OpenAI’s hoarding of RAM has created a global shortage of memory chips, pushed by explosive AI demand. This has caused massive price hikes on computers, smartphones, and consumer electronics like gaming consoles. It’s a wild west out there, and consumers are paying the price.
**A Dark Vision of the Future?**
Some tech moguls, like Jeff Bezos, are already envisioning a future where consumers use cloud-based desktops instead of owning their own hardware. This would create a dependence on their cloud services and subscription models. But at what cost? Our privacy, for one.
**Linux: The Alternative to Subscription Models**
If you’re worried about the cloud-based future, consider exploring Linux distributions. There are many Linux OS that can be run on older PC hardware. You can also try repairing old computers and building alternative systems instead of following the subscription model.
**The Bottom Line**
In conclusion, the AI boom is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s driving innovation and progress. On the other, it’s leaving PC consumers in the dust. As we move forward, it’s essential to be aware of the consequences of this trend and consider alternative solutions.
**Sources:**
[Source link](https://nyheter.aitool.se/ai-boomen-slar-hart-mot-pc-konsumenter-darfor-har-ram-och-ssd-priser-exploderat/)
