The AI revolution has a problem: there isn't enough memory for everyone.
The massive demand for specialized AI memory (HBM) is causing conventional memory (RAM) for laptops, phones, and cars to become scarce and expensive worldwide. The result: the era of cheap hardware is coming to an end for now.
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đ The AI trap: Modern AI chips require vertically stacked specialty memory (HBM). Since this is extremely profitable, the three global market leadersâSamsung, SK Hynix, and Micronâare shifting their capacities massively.
đ Price shock for standard chips: Due to this shift, normal chips (DRAM) are becoming a scarce commodity. Analysts expect a price jump of up to 55% in this quarter alone.
đ°đ· South Korea cashes in: Samsung expects its quarterly profit to triple. SK Hynix shares rose by 88% in three monthsâthe company is even considering a US listing.
âł The situation remains tense: SK Hynix is already sold out for the entire year 2026. New factories (e.g., from Micron in the USA) won't be able to deliver significant quantities until 2027 or 2028.
đ Price shock for consumers: RAM now accounts for 1/5 of the hardware costs of a laptop. Analysts expect PC prices to rise by 15% and sales to fall by 10%.
Good to know: The Memory Oligopoly
Three giants completely control the global RAM market:
- Samsung (South Korea): Global market leader; shares doubled in 2025. Profit margins for DRAM exceed 50%.
- SK Hynix (South Korea): Leading in HBM4 development for Nvidia.
- Micron (USA): The only Western player, but dependent on Asian supply chains.
Chinese manufacturers, who emerged as budget suppliers in recent years, are also focusing on HBM instead of standard RAMâthey will not fill the gap.
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