Memory Prices June 2026: Latest RAM & SSD Trends Explained

Published on 5th June 2026

Memory Prices

In 2026, memory has shifted from a low-cost component to one of the biggest cost drivers in any PC build. DDR4 and DDR5 RAM costing 3 to 4 times more than in mid-2025 has become a sad reality for gamers around the world.

For example, the Corsair Vengeance DDR5-6000 32GB, arguably the most popular DDR5 memory kit for mid-range users cost around £90 this time last year (May 2025). As of May 2026, it will now set you back over £350 - that's a 288% price increase!

In addition, according to Bloomberg, contract prices for NAND chips have shot up more than 600% since September 2025, and prices for DRAM contracts are up nearly 400%.

While there was a glimmer of hope when we saw small price dips (generally 5%) over the last few months, the reality is the core issue hasn’t changed. AI data centres are still taking up a huge chunk of global memory supply, leaving less available for consumer builds. The latest reports estimate that up to 70 percent of the memory produced worldwide in 2026 will be consumed by data centers. Add slow production scaling and manufacturers shifting focus to higher-margin products, and it looks like the squeeze isn’t going anywhere.

Recent price drops are likely due to short-term corrections, things like excess stock or sellers adjusting margins, not a true recovery. Industry analysts are clear that the supply crunch is still ongoing, and meaningful price relief could be years away. SK Group (parent company of SK Hynix that hold a 57% share of the HBM market and a 32% share of the global DRAM market) chairman recently said that leading memory makers are expanding capacity but are unlikely to fully meet demand until around 2030.

And it’s not just RAM taking the hit. Memory sits at the heart of almost every modern device, so when supply tightens, prices rise everywhere: graphics cards, SSDs, laptops, smartphones, TVs and even household appliances like fridges. With manufacturers diverting capacity toward AI demand, there’s less to go around for consumer tech, and that shortage is pushing costs across the board. In reality, RAM is just the starting point, what we’re seeing is a knock-on effect that’s making the entire tech market more expensive.

If you’re planning an upgrade, waiting for prices to drop further is a gamble. While there may be small fluctuations, the overall direction of the market remains uncertain, and it’s projected that prices will continue to rise throughout the rest of 2026. Locking in prices while stock is available might be the safer move, especially if you’ve got a build or upgrade on the horizon.

Ebuyer Price Drops

We’re working hard to secure the lowest possible memory and component prices we can for our customers. As prices rise on PC components and other consumer electronics, we are working to keep our prices as low as we can. Here are some top picks...