Quick answer: RAM is still expensive in October 2026. One report citing TrendForce says PC DRAM contract prices could rise another 13% to 18% in Q4, and Tom’s Hardware lists a 32GB DDR5-6000 kit at $449 at its best current US price. If you need memory for a build or upgrade, buying sooner is safer than waiting.
Memory prices have climbed for months because chipmakers are putting more capacity into server and AI memory. That leaves less for the DDR5 and DDR4 sticks that go into desktops and laptops.
This affects anyone building a PC, upgrading a laptop or buying a prebuilt in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and Europe. The figures below are US prices unless stated, and the forecasts are estimates that can change. Our guide to laptop price outlook covers the laptop side.
What are RAM prices right now?
Tom’s Hardware’s RAM price index was last updated on 12 October 2026. Its best current US prices for common kits include the following (Tom’s Hardware RAM price index):
- DDR5-5600 16GB: $249
- DDR5-6000 16GB: $266
- DDR5-6000 32GB: $449
- DDR5-6000 64GB: $909
- DDR4-3200 16GB: $102
- DDR4-3200 32GB: $198
The same page says DDR5 prices have risen “triple and, in some cases, quadruple” over the last quarter. It also says a 32GB DDR5 kit that cost about $100 to $200 in October 2025 now starts at $350, when it is in stock. Stock is limited and good deals sell out quickly.
What is the forecast for the rest of 2026?
PCMaster Insider, citing TrendForce, reports on 1 October 2026 that PC DRAM contract prices are expected to rise 13% to 18% quarter over quarter in Q4. It describes that as a sharp upward revision from earlier, more modest estimates (PCMaster Insider). The same report says standard DDR4 8Gb chips averaged $26 in September 2026, a record high.
Not every signal points up. TrendForce’s DRAM bulletin of 7 October 2026 describes spot trading as “quiet and flat” and says contract price gains are slowing (TrendForce). Contract prices are what PC makers pay, and they feed through to shelf prices with a delay. Treat the Q4 figure as a reported forecast, not a confirmed price.
Why is memory so expensive?
Earlier TrendForce commentary, summarized by igor’sLAB in July, said memory makers are prioritizing higher-margin server and AI products, leaving less capacity for consumer parts. It also said PC makers may have to pass higher component costs on in notebook prices.
IDC warned back in December 2025 that average PC acquisition costs could rise 4% to 6% in a moderate scenario and up to 8% in a pessimistic one. Dell and Lenovo said they would adjust prices by as much as 15%, and some prebuilt makers started offering systems without RAM (Tom’s Hardware on IDC).
Should I buy RAM now or wait?
There is no guarantee either way. These points can help you decide:
- You need it now: Buy, since the reported contract trend points up. The PCMaster Insider report says analysts advise securing needed upgrades early.
- It is a nice-to-have: Waiting costs nothing, and spot prices are currently flat.
- You are building a new PC: Compare the total cost. Tom’s Hardware notes that building around DDR4 makes little sense now because of processor and motherboard availability.
What does this mean for laptops and prebuilt PCs?
Memory is only one part of a PC’s cost, but it is a part that makers cannot easily avoid. The igor’sLAB summary of TrendForce’s July outlook said notebook makers have to pass higher component costs on in selling prices, and noted that PC makers built up inventory in the first half of 2026, which can delay price changes at the shelf. That inventory may be one reason some laptops still look reasonably priced today.
Prebuilt desktops are in a similar position. If a maker bought memory earlier at lower contract prices, its current systems may cost less than the same parts bought separately. That gap can close once older stock sells through, so a prebuilt can be a fair deal right now, but only if you compare it to the price of the parts.
Storage is affected too. The same TrendForce outlook said NAND flash contract prices were expected to rise 10% to 15% in Q3, driven by AI and data center demand. Memory and storage shortages tend to move together.
How can I spend less on memory?
- Check how much you really need. Our RAM guide explains when 16GB is enough and when 32GB is worth it.
- Buy a single kit with the capacity you need, rather than mixing sticks later.
- Track a few retailers over a week or two. Kits sell out fast, so set stock alerts.
- Look at prebuilts and laptops with RAM included, but compare the price to the parts.
- Keep an eye on storage as well. See our external drive price guide for backup drive costs.
For related news, see more computing coverage.
Frequently asked questions
Will RAM prices drop in 2026?
Current forecasts point up, not down. The reported TrendForce outlook for Q4 2026 is an increase, though TrendForce also says contract gains are slowing.
Is DDR4 cheaper than DDR5?
Yes. Tom’s Hardware lists a 32GB DDR4-3200 kit at $198 against $449 for 32GB DDR5-6000. DDR4 only suits older platforms.
Why are prebuilt PCs sometimes sold without RAM?
Some makers started offering no-RAM options because of shortages and high prices, so buyers can supply their own memory.
Are these prices the same in the UK, Canada, Australia and Europe?
Not necessarily. The prices above are US prices from Tom’s Hardware. We found no sourced local figures, so check local retailers.
Sources
- Tom’s Hardware: RAM price index 2026
- PCMaster Insider: TrendForce projects PC DRAM contract prices to rise up to 18 percent in 4Q26
- TrendForce: DRAM Market Bulletin, Oct. 7, 2026
- igor’sLAB: TrendForce, DRAM and NAND remain more expensive in Q3 2026
- Tom’s Hardware: IDC expects average PC prices to jump by up to 8% in 2026