Spiking memory prices mean that it is once again a horrible time to build a PC

For those considering a gaming PC upgrade, the current landscape presents a mixed bag. While graphics card prices have seen fluctuations, largely due to the impacts of the pandemic and surging AI demands, there are now opportunities to acquire decent mainstream to high-end GPUs. Models like AMD’s Radeon RX 9060 XT and 9070 series, along with Nvidia’s RTX 5060, 5070, and 5080 series, are available at or slightly below their recommended retail prices, a feat that seemed impossible just a few months ago. However, the situation drastically changes when it comes to building new PCs or replacing older motherboards with those requiring DDR5 RAM. The sharp increase in RAM and flash memory chip prices, primarily driven by the ongoing AI boom and panic buying from consumers and manufacturers alike, has made such upgrades a daunting task. To illustrate this point, a comparison of RAM and storage prices from just three months ago reveals staggering increases. Many of the components are now sold out or priced significantly higher, particularly affecting SSDs and both DDR4 and DDR5 RAM kits. Notably, higher-capacity RAM kits have experienced even steeper price hikes. If you're contemplating an SSD upgrade, the situation isn't yet dire, but the best advice for anyone looking to upgrade their RAM is to hold onto their current components tightly and hope for the best. The current market shows no signs of easing, making the prospect of upgrading a challenging endeavor.