Your next computer is going to suck more and cost more. Not because manufacturers got lazy, but because we're running out of the stuff that makes computers fast.

RAM—the memory that keeps your browser tabs alive and your games running smoothly—is in short supply. So short that even by 2027, manufacturers will only meet 60% of global demand. Some experts think shortages could last until 2030.

This isn't some abstract tech problem. This hits your wallet directly.

Why We're Running Out of Memory

The world's biggest memory makers are Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron. They control most of the global supply. Right now, they can't build factories fast enough to keep up with demand.

AI is eating memory like a black hole. Every ChatGPT query, every image generator, every smart car feature—they all need massive amounts of RAM. Data centers are buying up memory faster than it can be produced.

Meanwhile, your phone wants more memory. Your laptop wants more memory. Your smart TV, your car, your refrigerator—everything needs memory now.

The math doesn't work. Demand is growing exponentially. Supply is growing linearly.

What This Means for Your Next Purchase

First, prices are going up. When supply can't meet demand, costs rise. The 16GB of RAM that costs $60 today might cost $100 next year.

Second, manufacturers will cut corners. They'll ship laptops with 8GB instead of 16GB to hit price targets. Your "new" computer will feel slower than the old one because it's starved for memory.

Third, upgrade cycles will stretch longer. If new computers are more expensive and less capable, people will keep their old ones longer. This creates a feedback loop—less innovation because fewer people buy new hardware.

Apple already does this dance. They sell base model MacBooks with 8GB of RAM in 2024, then charge $200 to upgrade to 16GB. That $200 upgrade costs Apple maybe $20 in parts. Expect more companies to follow this playbook.

The Real Winners and Losers

Memory manufacturers are printing money. Shortages mean they can charge whatever they want. Samsung's memory division will have record profits while consumers pay more for less.

Big tech companies will be fine. Google and Microsoft have the cash to secure memory supply at any price. They'll pass costs to consumers through higher subscription fees.

Small companies get squeezed. Startups building hardware can't compete for memory supply against giants. Innovation slows when only big players can afford components.

Consumers lose twice. Higher prices for worse performance. Your computer will struggle with basic tasks because manufacturers skimped on memory to control costs.

What You Can Do Right Now

Buy your next computer sooner rather than later. Prices will only go up. If you're thinking about upgrading in the next two years, do it now.

Max out the RAM when you buy. Don't go with the base model. That 8GB laptop will feel ancient in six months. Pay for 16GB or 32GB now, because upgrading later will cost more (if it's even possible).

Keep your current computer longer if it's still working. A three-year-old laptop with 16GB of RAM will outperform a new laptop with 8GB. Don't get fooled by marketing about "faster processors" when the real bottleneck is memory.

Consider refurbished business laptops. Companies often sell off machines with plenty of RAM. A used ThinkPad with 32GB costs less than a new consumer laptop with 8GB.

The memory shortage isn't going away. It's going to get worse before it gets better. Plan accordingly.

— Dolce