What can we do about the RAM and SSD shortage?

AI data centers have caused an unprecedented shortage of RAM and SSDs, increasing prices on everything from computers to smartphones.

The shortage focuses on two core components: DRAM and NAND, which stands for dynamic random-access memory and non-volatile flash memory respectively. DRAM provides essential space for your apps to operate at the same time. On the other hand, NAND is used in SSD storage. Without them, your electronic device cannot function.

The three major DRAM and NAND manufacturers - Samsung Electronics, SK Hypenix, and Micron, have decided to prioritize High-Bandwith Memory (HBM) that is better suited for AI chips. HBM cannot be repurposed for consumer electronics, effectively raising prices of RAM and SSDs currently in stock.

There are several warning signs pointing to increased prices for consumer electronics. An internal report obtained by Business Insider reveals that Dell will be raising PC prices by up to 30% across their consumer lineup. Similarly, major smartphone manufacturers are drawing up plans to reintroduce the microSD card slot and 4GB of DRAM in certain models.

If you want to purchase a smartphone or computer without breaking the bank, here is how you can do so without compromising on your safety.

Beware of secondhand devices

The World Economic Forum found that the world produced over 50 millions tons of electronic waste in 2018 alone. With computer and smartphone prices set to increase in late 2025 and early 2026, you may be tempted to buy older, secondhand devices to save both money and the environment.

Used computers and smartphones may be infected with malware if you buy them from an unreliable source or are just plain unlucky with the previous owner. The universal advice here is to always conduct a factory reset after receiving your purchase. There is, however, a rare chance that the device itself has a form of bootloader malware known as a rootkit, which is difficult to remove without professional assistance.

If the device is old enough, you could also miss out on critical software updates or hardware security features that protect your device from physical attacks. For example, almost all Intel-based laptops from 2018 and before are perpetually vulnerable to exploits like Spectre and Meltdown. To prevent this, you should always check whether the original manufacturer supports the model with firmware updates. The newer the model, the better.

Finally, you can also receive a counterfeit or modified device instead of the advertised product. Ensure that you have found a reputable vendor and marketplace before making a final purchase. Feeling generous with your spending? You can even look at professionally refurbished devices instead to minimize this risk entirely.

Repurpose older hardware

For aspiring self-hosters, the idea of controlling your own data might sound appealing. Applications like PhotoPrism, Nextcloud, and Jellyfin are deployable on your own home network, allowing you to manage your files and media without storing them on someone else's server.

Nowadays, it may seem impossible to build a home server PC within a budget. According to PCPartPicker.com, the price of two 8GB sticks of DDR4 RAM can has risen up to $140 over the past 18 months. Consumer SSDs have only seen a marginal increase, but expect that to also grow in the future.

Self-hosting does not have to be expensive if you have an old desktop or laptop lying around. Remember that you don't need that much RAM for a simple media server to work. After all, 8GB of older DDR3 ram can suffice for a basic NAS or media server. While you still need to purchase several hard drives for storage, this option removes the initial barrier of purchasing components that you already have.

As long as you manage your expectations carefully, just about any older hardware can work as a home server. Don't expect it to self-host your own LLM or operate multiple virtual machines all at once.

Just buy it. Now.

Do you have a specific usage case or threat model that demands a certain amount of RAM? Try not to wait until 2026.

Although large manufacturers like Lenovo have stockpiled memory kits for the foreseeable future, prices are predicted to moderately increase next year despite these precautions. Don't get us started on the fact Samsung is not even selling DRAM to their own Galaxy phone brand.

It is a good idea to take advantage of deals in the holiday season instead of making a substantially expensive purchase later on.

However, this does not extend to all OEMs. Smaller Linux-friendly manufacturers like NovaCustom and Framework have already announced price increases for RAM starting in 2026.

This hits particularly hard if you are trying to purchase a QubesOS-compatible laptop. According to its official documentation, the operating system requires at least 16GB of system memory to function properly. Users report that 32GB and even 64GB are needed for demanding tasks such as programming or multitasking.

Looking for niche features like coreboot or HEADS firmware? Buy that System76, Tuxedo, or NovaCustom laptop before it is too late.