Stargate's thirst for memory could change the global DRAM market

OpenAI's ambitious Stargate project with Oracle and SoftBank has every chance of becoming one of the largest artificial intelligence data center initiatives in history. The plan involves the construction of huge facilities on several continents. Each facility will be equipped with servers containing thousands of artificial intelligence chips.These systems will need extraordinary amounts of power, cooling infrastructure, and now, as reports reveal, unprecedented volumes of memory.

According to Reuters and Bloomberg, Samsung and SK hynix have signed preliminary agreements to supply Stargate directly with whole DRAM wafers. OpenAI’s appetite could reach 900,000 wafers every month. That figure represents roughly 40 percent of global DRAM production, a level that has stunned industry analysts.

DRAM at the Core of the AI Race

Current estimates from TechInsights show that worldwide production capacity of 300 mm wafers will hit about 10 million per month in 2025. DRAM accounted for a little over two million wafers last year, and even with a projected increase to 2.25 million wafers next year, Stargate alone could consume almost half of that supply. The deal likely covers several memory technologies, from standard DDR5 used in servers to high bandwidth memory (HBM) critical for AI accelerators.

The implications are huge. If OpenAI secures this volume, other industries may face tighter supply chains and higher prices for advanced memory.

Beyond Hardware Supply

Samsung is not just delivering memory. The company will also collaborate on data center architecture in South Korea and provide consulting for enterprises adopting OpenAI’s systems. Through Samsung SDS, it has also taken on the role of OpenAI reseller in the Korean market, helping firms integrate ChatGPT Enterprise into daily operations.

Stargate is not just a data center project. It is rapidly turning into a global test of how far technology, infrastructure, and supply chains can stretch to keep pace with artificial intelligence.