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Did you think a high-end gaming console was a big investment? In 2025, it is an often forgotten component – RAM – which is breaking all records. Due to massive demand driven by the rise of artificial intelligence, prices for DDR5 RAM are reaching surreal levels. On Newegg, a kit of two 64 GB Corsair Vengeance strips (128 GB in total) costs $1,485. Individually, a 64 GB Crucial sells for $500. It’s more expensive than a PS5 Pro.
An AI bubble that is weighing down the entire hardware market
This outbreak is not an isolated case. According to Tom’s Hardware, the price of RAM has jumped 190% in two months. Large AI groups are rushing into components, particularly to train their 3D generative models. High-capacity hard drives follow the same trend. The players find themselves caught in a vice. Even 32 GB sticks, which are supposed to remain affordable, today exceed $599 for a G.Skill kit. One of the most telling testimonials comes from a disillusioned internet user: “The $100 32GB DDR5 RAM kit I bought two months ago now costs $300.”
Consoles also threatened by the crisis
The shock does not only affect PCs. Consoles are also starting to suffer the consequences. The Xbox Series While some joke online suggesting “Just buy a PS5 Pro, it’s cheaper than a single stick of Ram!”, this irony illustrates a real concern: how long can consoles remain affordable?
The Steam Machine risks paying the price
Another collateral victim, the recently announced Steam Machine. Designed to compete with gaming PCs, it must be released in the midst of an inflationary storm. A Valve representative reportedly warned, “Don’t expect the Steam Machine to be cheap at launch.” What should have been an affordable alternative could well become a luxury, as the components are so expensive today. Some even fear that its price will exceed that of pre-assembled PCs.