As we traverse the chaotic terrain of 2026, the persistent crisis referred to as “RAMnarök” shows no indications of easing. The unyielding demand for memory chips, propelled by tech behemoths enhancing their AI functionalities, has resulted in considerable pressure on the market. This has led to a steep rise in prices, as suppliers take advantage of the scenario by increasing their charges. As a result, consumer-grade RAM continues to be extremely costly, and the price of SSDs, which are also dependent on these vital chips, has skyrocketed.
The rising trajectory in storage prices, which initiated in November, has hit a particularly concerning high in recent weeks. The types of SSDs that are crucial for contemporary gaming PCs have witnessed significant price surges. According to Keepa, a browser extension that monitors Amazon prices, the 1TB WD Black SN850X SSD has experienced its price nearly double in merely two months. It is presently at £162, in contrast to £116 on January 5th and £85 on November 5th.
This scenario underscores the wider difficulties confronting the tech sector as it deals with supply chain disruptions and heightened demand for high-performance components. As consumers and businesses face these rising costs, the prospect of affordable gaming and computing hardware hangs in the balance.