Should you buy RAM now or wait?
Nobody can promise where prices go next. Here's what the industry researchers are actually saying.
What the forecasts say
- TrendForce expects conventional DRAM contract prices to rise another 10–15% quarter on quarter in the fourth quarter of 2026, though it says the pace of increases is moderating.
- TrendForce also says PC makers are buying aggressively because they expect supply to stay tight in 2027, and that PC memory supply could fall in 2027 as more capacity shifts to servers for AI.
- Tom's Hardware reports RAM prices have risen more than 500% since last year, and that industry figures warn the shortage could last well into next year.
A simple way to decide
- Your PC is unusable or you need it for work: waiting has a cost too. Consider a slower kit or a bundle now.
- You want an upgrade but can manage: the forecasts above don't point to a quick fall, so set a price you're happy with and check back.
- You're building from scratch: compare the total against a prebuilt before buying parts.
This is general shopping information, not financial advice. Contract prices are what PC makers pay; shop prices can move differently.
Sources
- TrendForce: memory contract prices keep rising in 4Q26 (30 Sep 2026)
- Tom's Hardware: 32GB of DDR5-6000 now costs $450 (14 Oct 2026)
Sources checked 15 October 2026.