Epic CEO Warns: Rising RAM Prices Threaten Affordability of Xboxes, TVs, and Laptops Amidst OpenAI’s Impact

The recent surge in artificial intelligence (AI) demand is severely impacting RAM availability and pricing, significantly affecting gamers and consumers alike. RAM (random access memory) serves as essential temporary memory for devices, including gaming consoles and PCs. Prices for consumer-grade DDR5 RAM have skyrocketed by up to 110% in a matter of weeks, with manufacturers like Micron facing intense competition from AI giants like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft for limited resources. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney highlighted that these companies, backed by substantial funding, are outbidding traditional consumer manufacturers, driving up costs. With major players stockpiling RAM to mitigate price hikes, the outlook for consumer electronics remains grim. The ongoing AI hype, fueled by government and investor interest, will continue to strain RAM supplies, resulting in potential price increases for gaming consoles, laptops, and other smart devices in the near future. As the tech landscape evolves, consumers may bear the brunt of these economic shifts.

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