The Global Memory Shortage
The world is running out of memory.
AI data centers are buying up the world's memory chips faster than anyone can make them. Memory prices are flying. Your next phone, laptop and console are all in the crossfire — and relief doesn't arrive before 2028.
Latest brief · 45d agoThe short version
- DRAM prices are up ~172% in a year — and your next laptop will feel it
- ~70% of the world's high-end memory now goes to AI data centers
- Just three companies make ~90% of the world's DRAM
- Relief won't arrive before 2028 — the squeeze is structural
Market figures as of Q1 2026.
Memory, Explained
The 5-minute guide: what memory is, who makes it, who's buying it all, and why the shortage lasts.
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