Predicted DRAM Shortage: NVIDIA Likely to Double Prices in 2026

Counterpoint Research reports that DRAM prices have already risen by 50% since the beginning of the year, and they are expected to continue to rise. An additional 50% increase is forecast for early 2026.

The sharp price growth will particularly affect the DDR5 memory segment; these trends are already quite noticeable. In September this year, a 16 GB module cost $6.84, while in November it was already $24.83.

Factors Exacerbating the Shortage

One of the main factors worsening the shortage is NVIDIA’s use of LPDDR5X memory in its new server platforms, Grace and Vera Rubin. Each processor in these platforms comes with a large amount of memory — 480 GB of LPDDR5X (compared to 16 GB in smartphones); and in the Vera platforms, this amount is twice as large, putting additional pressure on global LPDDR5X supplies.

Impact on End Consumers

The memory shortage and rising prices are already affecting amateur PC builds, but the consequences don’t end there.

Budget smartphone models will feel the impact first, followed by higher segments. Production costs may soar by 25%, and this will be reflected in the final price for consumers.

Manufacturers will also have to reconsider component procurement and the cost of new products. According to Counterpoint, 64 GB DDR5 server modules will cost twice as much by the end of 2026.

Many people are concerned about the potentially rapid pace of such changes.