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Memory prices climb 500% in 12 months
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The gist
Memory prices climbed 500% in 12 months, with 128GB DDR5 now $3,399.
The surge hits businesses like Zoho, which struggle to avoid raising prices.
Background
Memory prices have surged dramatically over the past year, driven by high demand from AI and supply constraints. A Tom's Hardware report shows DDR5 RAM kits costing up to 10 times their lowest tracked prices, with 128GB DDR5-6400 now at $3,399. This has caught the attention of industry leaders like Zoho's Sridhar Vembu, who notes the combined pressure of memory and AI token costs on business operations.
How it unfolded
- Aug 17, 2026Tom's Hardware publishes report showing memory prices up 500% year-over-year, with 128GB DDR5 at $3,399.
- Aug 17, 2026Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu posts on X, saying memory and AI token prices are making business difficult.
- Aug 18, 2026Multiple outlets cover Vembu's reaction, highlighting the impact on software companies.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- Historical price data indicates memory prices have reached unprecedented heights, driven by AI demand.
- Industry
- Zoho's Sridhar Vembu says the price surge, combined with AI token costs, is making business operations very difficult.