Memory buyers face a steep price hike next year before seeing relief. Bernstein analysts project DRAM costs will jump 43.2 percent to reach $2.23 per gigabit in 2027. This surge stems from intense demand driven by artificial intelligence workloads. Shoppers planning upgrades for 2026 or early 2027 should expect higher component bills. The market will likely remain tight until supply catches up with demand.
Memory costs surge next year due to AI demand before falling below 2027 peaks
The forecast suggests a dramatic turnaround by 2028. Analysts expect DRAM prices to plummet by 52.9 percent to $1.05 per gigabit. This drop would bring costs well below the 2027 peak levels. The correction follows a period of severe supply constraints. Buyers waiting until 2028 might find significantly better value in memory modules.
- DRAM Price per Gb (2027): $2.23
- DRAM Price per Gb (2028): $1.05
- NAND Flash Price per GB (2028): $0.10
Despite the 2028 drop, prices will not return to previous lows. The $1.05 per gigabit figure remains double the pre-crisis baseline. This indicates a structural shift in the memory market rather than a temporary correction. NAND flash storage faces a similar trajectory with a projected 68.8 percent drop to $0.10 per gigabyte in 2028. However, NAND prices will also stay 25 percent above pre-crisis levels.
We looked at Apple iPhone, iPad, Mac price hikes earlier while tracking DRAM trends. These devices are sensitive to memory component costs. The current crisis has already triggered price adjustments in consumer electronics. The 2028 forecast offers hope for stabilized pricing in the medium term.
Bernstein’s analysis highlights a two-year cycle of rising then falling memory costs. The 2027 peak reflects current AI-driven demand. The 2028 decline anticipates increased supply and normalized demand. Prices will settle at a higher floor than before the crisis.
Source: NotebookCheck
