2027 memory capacity is reportedly sold out
The 2027 Memory Drought: AI Devours RAM Supply
By Jacqueline Thomas | Updated: August 5, 2026
It seems as though every recent headline reinforces a grim reality: the ongoing RAM crisis is far from over.
A fresh report indicates that the "Big Three" of memory production—Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron—have already exhausted their entire manufacturing capacity for 2027. The culprits? AI firms.
The State of the Supply Chain
According to data from Digitimes (via TweakTown), there is currently no remaining supply planned for 2027 across both DRAM and HBM (High Bandwidth Memory).
Note: While the manufacturers themselves have remained silent and haven't officially confirmed these reports, the implications for the average consumer are clear: retail prices are poised to climb even higher.
The situation is exacerbated by the nature of these sales. This isn't just a case of high demand; many AI corporations have locked in their supply through long-term purchasing agreements. Essentially, they are pre-ordering hardware on five-year terms before the silicon is even etched.
Is This Affecting Your Build?
- Yes, I've put my upgrade on hold.
- No, I managed to snag some RAM recently.
- I wasn't planning to upgrade anyway; I can wait.
The Ripple Effect: NAND and SSDs
While the RAM situation is dire, the crisis is bleeding into NAND storage as well. Fortunately, because there are more players in the NAND market, the capacity hasn't been totally swallowed yet. However, the price creep is undeniable.
Take the Western Digital SN7100 (a standard PCIe 4 drive) as a case study. Using data from Camelcamelcamel, we can see a staggering price jump:
| Timeframe | Capacity | Price (USD) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | 1TB | ~\text{\110}$ | |
| August 2026 | 1TB | \text{\189}$ | Expensive |
The math behind this increase is brutal: (Though the report notes it is at least 52% more expensive before current minor Amazon discounts).
If NAND capacity begins to mirror the scarcity of DRAM, the cost of storage next year could be astronomical.
Broader Hardware Impact
The "RAMageddon" isn't just hitting DIY builders; it's affecting pre-built consoles and handhelds.
Recent examples of memory-driven price hikes:
- Xbox Series X: Saw a price increase earlier this month.
- Steam Machine: Launched at a higher MSRP than Valve originally intended due to memory overhead.
def check_market_status(component):
if component == "RAM":
return "SOLD OUT until 2028"
elif component == "NAND":
return "Price Increasing"
else:
return "Stable"
print(check_market_status("RAM")) # Output: SOLD OUT until 2028
At this point, I am exhausted from reporting on this crisis, yet its fingerprints are everywhere in the hardware world. My only remaining hope is for the AI bubble to burst so that a decent memory kit doesn't cost more than $500.
About the Author:
Jackie Thomas is the PC components queen and the Hardware and Buying Guides Editor at IGN. Follow her @Jackiecobra.
Related Info:
- Product: Steam Machine
- Developer: Valve
- Release Window: Q1 2026