One year into the AI-induced RAM apocalypse — how much does memory actually cost, and is there hope for a more affordable future?

AI data-center demand is pulling supply away from consumers, sending RAM and SSD prices sharply higher over the past year.

A 32GB DDR5 kit that was about $90 on last year’s Prime Day is now around $459, with some kits rising from roughly $100-$179 to $379-$599.99.

Large memory kits can cost more than $2,600, making budget-friendly PC builds much harder to assemble.

Micron’s exit from Crucial’s consumer business is tightening the market even further.