Gadgets

Should you buy a laptop or RAM now, or wait? The memory shortage explained

SK hynix says the memory shortage will last through 2030. Here's why prices are rising, and a simple guide to whether you should buy a laptop, phone or RAM now or wait.

Chamith Shirantha

Nov 4, 2026 4 min read

If you have noticed phones, laptops and RAM getting more expensive, you are not imagining it. Memory chips are in short supply, and the people who make them now say it could last for years. So should you buy now or wait? Here is what is happening and a simple way to decide.

What did SK hynix say?

On October 28, 2026, SK hynix, one of the world’s three big memory makers alongside Samsung and Micron, said memory demand will keep exceeding supply through 2030. According to Fortune, more than half of its production for the next two years is already booked.

Other forecasts are a little less gloomy but still point to a long squeeze:

SK hynix’s CEO has reportedly said 2027 could be the worst year for the shortage.
Micron’s CEO has said the shortage should last through 2027 and ease in 2028.
UBS has estimated the DRAM industry will be undersupplied until at least the second quarter of 2028.

We covered the earlier warnings in our memory chip shortage report.

Why is memory so expensive?

The short version is AI. Data centers that train and run AI models need huge amounts of high-end memory, and manufacturers are putting their capacity into those chips. That leaves less for the ordinary memory in phones, laptops, consoles and PCs. Building new factories takes years, so supply cannot catch up quickly.

What does it mean for your next device?

Laptops and PCs: memory now takes up a bigger share of the build cost, so makers raise prices, cut specs or ship fewer models.
Phones: upcoming models are likely to cost more. See our look at the iPhone 18e leaks for an example.
Consoles and gaming: storage and RAM upgrades are pricier too.

Should you buy now or wait?

Buy now if:

Your current device is broken, very slow or no longer gets updates.
You need it for work or school.
You find a genuinely good deal, such as during Black Friday.

Wait if:

Your current device works well and you are only tempted by a newer model.
You can wait for spring launches and compare prices then.

With the shortage expected to last for years, waiting for prices to fall is a risky plan. If you need something, there is little reason to expect much cheaper memory in the next few months.

Practical tips to save money

Buy the right amount of memory. For most people, 16 GB of RAM is a comfortable level for everyday use. Heavy video editing, gaming or development may need more.
Check if RAM is upgradeable. Many thin laptops and Macs have memory soldered to the board. If you cannot upgrade later, buy enough at the start.
If you want to upgrade, check compatibility first. Make sure you buy the right type (for example DDR4 or DDR5, and laptop or desktop size). Don’t overbuy.
Consider refurbished or last-generation devices. Reputable refurbished sellers with a warranty can save a lot.
Be careful with fake bargains. Unusually cheap RAM or SSDs online are often counterfeit or mislabeled.
Keep your current device longer. A clean install, more storage space and a new battery can extend its life.

We have also covered the debate sparked by Sam Altman’s meetings with Samsung and SK about memory supply.

Frequently asked questions

How long will the memory shortage last?

SK hynix says demand will exceed supply through 2030. Other companies and analysts expect it to ease around 2028, but none expect a quick fix.

Why are RAM and laptop prices going up?

AI data centers are buying huge amounts of memory, and manufacturers cannot increase production fast enough, so less is available for consumer devices.

Should I buy a laptop now or wait?

If you need one, buy now and look for a good deal. If your current laptop works fine, you can wait, but prices may not drop soon.

Is it smart to upgrade RAM now?

If your device supports upgrades and you need more memory, doing it sooner may cost less than later. Check compatibility and buy from trusted sellers.

Sources

#DRAM #Laptops #Prices #RAM shortage #SK hynix

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