Memory Prices Rise 13%-18% in Q3 as AI Demand Keeps Supply Tight
Updated
Updated · Tom's Hardware · Jul 4
Memory Prices Rise 13%-18% in Q3 as AI Demand Keeps Supply Tight
2 articles · Updated · Tom's Hardware · Jul 4
Summary
TrendForce expects conventional DRAM contract prices to climb 13%-18% and NAND Flash 10%-15% in Q3 2026, a sharp slowdown from roughly 60% jumps in Q2.
Consumer affordability is driving the cooldown: PC and smartphone makers are resisting further cost increases after months of hikes, even though supply has not materially improved.
AI demand is still keeping the market tight, with hyperscale data centers and inference systems absorbing supply while manufacturers shift capacity toward higher-margin server memory.
That split is widening across end markets: server DRAM should stay undersupplied into Q3, while notebook, smartphone and client SSD buyers turn more cautious as higher memory costs threaten shipments and retail pricing.
Meaningful relief still looks distant because enterprise AI spending is expected to support server-memory demand through 2027, even as consumer segments weaken.