Samsung and other memory manufacturers are reaping the benefits of a global shortage in RAM, with record-breaking profits being raked in as demand for AI-dependent products continues to skyrocket. The shortages, fueled by high prices and supply chain disruptions, have led to a surge in sales for companies like SK Hynix, Micron, and Samsung Electronics.
According to forecasts, the memory division of Samsung is expected to generate an operating profit of between 19.9 trillion Korean won (approximately $13.8 billion USD) in Q4 2025, up from just 6.49 trillion won last year. SK Hynix has also posted impressive results, with its highest-ever quarterly performance in Q3 2025, driven by increasing demand for AI servers.
Micron, which recently exited the consumer RAM market but still generates revenue from sales to other businesses, has seen a significant boost in net income, reaching $5.24 billion in Q1 2026, its highest ever free cash flow. The company's CEO expects continued demand and supply constraints to persist beyond 2026.
The current shortage is attributed to several factors, including the growing need for AI-powered technology and the limited capacity of major memory manufacturers to meet demand. OpenAI's "Stargate" project alone could consume up to 40% of global DRAM production, while the shift in production capacity towards high-bandwidth memory (HBM) used by Nvidia's AI data center GPUs has reduced overall DRAM output.
Industry analysts predict that RAM prices will continue to rise, with an estimated increase of 33% in 2026 and a potentially larger HBM market emerging by 2028. If the current AI-driven demand persists, memory manufacturers may face challenges similar to those encountered by Samsung in 2023, where oversupply led to significant losses.
As the shortage continues, consumers and PC manufacturers are facing increasing pressure to pay higher prices for RAM, with a 32GB kit of DDR5-6000 now costing $340, up from just $80 last year. The prolonged supply chain disruptions have left many without access to affordable memory solutions, leaving them to wait for potential price drops or alternatives.
According to forecasts, the memory division of Samsung is expected to generate an operating profit of between 19.9 trillion Korean won (approximately $13.8 billion USD) in Q4 2025, up from just 6.49 trillion won last year. SK Hynix has also posted impressive results, with its highest-ever quarterly performance in Q3 2025, driven by increasing demand for AI servers.
Micron, which recently exited the consumer RAM market but still generates revenue from sales to other businesses, has seen a significant boost in net income, reaching $5.24 billion in Q1 2026, its highest ever free cash flow. The company's CEO expects continued demand and supply constraints to persist beyond 2026.
The current shortage is attributed to several factors, including the growing need for AI-powered technology and the limited capacity of major memory manufacturers to meet demand. OpenAI's "Stargate" project alone could consume up to 40% of global DRAM production, while the shift in production capacity towards high-bandwidth memory (HBM) used by Nvidia's AI data center GPUs has reduced overall DRAM output.
Industry analysts predict that RAM prices will continue to rise, with an estimated increase of 33% in 2026 and a potentially larger HBM market emerging by 2028. If the current AI-driven demand persists, memory manufacturers may face challenges similar to those encountered by Samsung in 2023, where oversupply led to significant losses.
As the shortage continues, consumers and PC manufacturers are facing increasing pressure to pay higher prices for RAM, with a 32GB kit of DDR5-6000 now costing $340, up from just $80 last year. The prolonged supply chain disruptions have left many without access to affordable memory solutions, leaving them to wait for potential price drops or alternatives.
with those record-breaking profits! But on a more serious note, the whole AI thing has definitely brought some challenges to the table 
. Like, have you guys noticed how expensive 32GB kits of DDR5-6000 are now? $340?! That's crazy talk! 
I mean, I get it, there's high demand and supply chain issues, but can't we just get more affordable options somehow? 
Maybe the industry just needs to work on its manufacturing capabilities or something 
. Anyway, I'm just excited to see how this all plays out in the long run 
and dont even get me started on the shortages idk how much more of this im gonna have to take b4 i start buying 16gb just to save a buck 
.
. Can we find a balance between driving growth and ensuring that everyone has access to the tech they need? Only time will tell 
.
remember when you could get like 4-6 times more memory for pennies on the dollar back in the day? now we're living in a world where AI is driving all these profits for companies but for who exactly? and what about the environmental impact of all this excess production? it's like, the tech industry is so focused on pushing innovation that they forgot to think about sustainability 
. It's like they're cashing in on our collective obsession with AI 
And the shortage is gonna last till when? I don't think we'll see affordable RAM anytime soon 
. Maybe someone needs to come up with an alternative tech solution? 
. It's just not fair to all the people who can't afford decent RAM right now 
. I guess it's good for companies like Samsung and SK Hynix that are making bank off this shortage, but what about everyone else? 
samsung is killin it 
️ maybe the prices will drop eventually 
. And let's be real, who needs that much RAM for gaming or streaming? 32GB is more than enough for most ppl 
.