Micron and Samsung Deplete Inventory as AI Creates Consumer Memory Shortage

TLDR

• Computer memory prices set to rise 50-55% in Q1 2026 compared to previous quarter due to AI server demand
• Major suppliers Micron, SK Hynix, and Samsung have allocated all 2026 production to AI chipmakers
• Manufacturing one unit of AI memory reduces consumer RAM output by three units
• Laptop memory costs now account for 20% of hardware expenses, up from 10-18% in early 2025
• Production facilities scheduled for 2027-2030 mean shortage will persist through next several years

The computer memory industry faces its worst supply shortage in years as artificial intelligence infrastructure consumes production capacity. RAM prices will jump over 50% this quarter while manufacturers struggle to meet demand.

AI chip producers including Nvidia, AMD, and Google need specialized memory components for their processors. This requirement has emptied warehouses and left consumer device makers without adequate supply for smartphones, laptops, and personal computers.

Micron, SK Hynix, and Samsung Electronics manufacture nearly all RAM sold globally. These three companies report complete sellout of 2026 production runs to datacenter and AI customers.

Micron Technology, Inc., MU

“We have seen a very sharp surge in demand for memory, and it has far outpaced our ability to supply that memory,” Micron executive Sumit Sadana said at CES in Las Vegas. The company has no remaining inventory available this year.

Memory Costs Drive Product Price Increases

TrendForce analysts forecast DRAM prices will increase 50% to 55% during the first quarter of 2026 versus the December 2025 quarter. The research firm’s Tom Hsu called this price movement unprecedented in memory market history.

RAM components now cost manufacturers about 20% of total laptop hardware expenses. This represents a jump from the 10% to 18% range seen during early 2025. Computer makers must decide whether to absorb these costs or pass them to customers.

Dell Technologies warned investors it anticipates higher manufacturing costs across all product categories. The company’s operations chief Jefferey Clarke said Dell would modify product specifications to reduce impact but expects consumer pricing to reflect the shortage.

“I don’t see how this will not make its way into the customer base,” Clarke stated on an earnings call. Apple finance chief Kevan Parekh mentioned seeing price pressure but characterized it as minimal during October remarks.

Production Tradeoffs Create Supply Gap

AI processors use high-bandwidth memory that requires complex manufacturing processes. Suppliers stack 12 to 16 memory chip layers into single components designed for extreme data transfer speeds.

This production method creates inherent supply conflicts. Each unit of high-bandwidth memory consumes enough manufacturing capacity to produce three units of standard RAM. The three-to-one tradeoff explains shortages in consumer markets despite rising overall production.

Nvidia’s new Rubin processors include 288 gigabytes of specialized memory per chip. Complete AI server systems use 72 processors together. Consumer smartphones contain 8 to 12 gigabytes of standard memory by comparison.

Market prices reflect the shortage. Technology professionals report 256GB RAM kits that sold for $300 recently now cost around $3,000. Micron shut down its consumer PC component division in December to prioritize AI and enterprise server orders.

New Factories Years Away

Memory companies are adding capacity cautiously after industry-wide losses in 2023. Micron, Western Digital, Seagate, and SK Hynix all posted negative operating results that year during the last market downturn.

Micron has two Idaho factories under construction that will begin operations in 2027 and 2028. A third facility in New York has a target date of 2030 for initial production.

Sandisk’s David Goeckeler said short contract terms from buyers make capacity investments risky. The CEO suggested customers should commit to supply agreements lasting longer than three months to justify factory construction.

Tech industry capital spending continues rising. Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Meta spent approximately $407 billion in 2025 with projections reaching $523 billion for 2026.

Micron currently fulfills only two-thirds of customer demand, Sadana confirmed.