Memory Shortage in 2026: Why SSD, RAM, and Graphics Card Prices Are Soaring

If you've checked the prices of SSDs or graphics cards in recent weeks, you've probably recoiled. Since the beginning of the year, memory-based components have seen a sharp and continuous rise. At DSGate, we monitor these developments daily to adjust our configurations, and here we offer a clear overview of what's happening.

A Crisis Fueled by Artificial Intelligence Demand

The main cause is known: the explosion in memory requirements for data centers dedicated to artificial intelligence. Manufacturers of NAND chips (used in SSDs) and DRAM (RAM) are redirecting a portion of their production to this much more lucrative market.

As a result, the supply for the general public is shrinking while demand remains strong. This is a classic imbalance, but its magnitude in 2026 is unusual. Forecasts suggest increases of around 70 to 75% for certain memory categories in the second quarter of 2026.

SSD and RAM: Clearly Visible Increases

For storage, a few examples speak for themselves. Models that had become affordable benchmarks have seen their prices climb sharply in just a few months.

RAM follows the same trajectory. Kits that formed the foundation of a balanced PC now cost significantly more than they did a year ago, prompting many buyers to reconsider their priorities when building or ordering a machine.

Graphics Cards: Continued Pressure from NVIDIA

The graphics card market is not immune to the phenomenon, as GDDR video memory is also affected. In the high-end segments, the trend remains clearly upward.

• RTX 5080: observed around €1,270 in early June, compared to approximately €1,190 the previous week.
• RTX 5090: a price exceeding €3,300, reserved for a very specific clientele.
• For AMD: some models, conversely, benefit from slight price drops, which enhances their appeal in the mid-range.

In the entry and mid-range, AMD and Intel currently offer an interesting price-to-video-memory ratio, while the RTX 50 series has received a more mixed reception in these specific segments.

How to Equip Yourself Well Despite Soaring Prices

In this context, a few simple strategies can help you manage your budget:

• Target truly useful capacity: a well-chosen 1 TB SSD remains more relevant than an oversized model bought at the wrong time.
• Prefer Gen4 over Gen5 for storage: the performance difference in gaming use is small, while the price difference is significant.
• Consider the overall balance of the configuration rather than overinvesting in a single component.

This is precisely the role we take on at DSGate: selecting components at the right price when we assemble your PC, and adapting each configuration to its intended use. Our machines are assembled in France and designed to offer lasting balance, even in a volatile market.

Want a PC that fits your budget without suffering from retail price volatility? Discover our DSGate configurations and find the machine that suits you.