ChipsThe story, in brief
Why your RAM options cost 4X more now than last year - even legacy tech prices aren't immune
70%. That's the share of all memory chips AI data centers are consuming this year—and it's reshaping hardware costs across the entire industry.
The KeyNews take
Why it matters
AI infrastructure buildout is creating acute chip scarcity that ripples far beyond the data center—legacy RAM prices are spiking as AI operators monopolize supply, forcing downstream hardware makers and consumers to absorb 4X cost increases.
The key facts
4 to knowAI data centers consuming 70% of all memory chips produced in 2026
RAM prices up 4X year-over-year
Price increases affecting legacy tech and non-AI hardware
Supply chain bottleneck driven by AI infrastructure capex
Go to the source
ZDNet AIzdnet.com
Publisher excerpt: Meanwhile, AI data centers will mop up 70% of all memory chips produced this year.