Netsuki, PC parts are abnormally expensive lately…
Huh, what do you mean? (´∀`)
DDR5 memory was around 14,000 yen in October, but now it’s over 32,000 yen…
Whaaaat!? (ﾟ∀ﾟ)
That’s more than double!!
Wait, let me look into this!
PC Memory: Experiencing Historic Price Surge
Onii-chan, I looked into it…
This is really serious (ﾟ∀ﾟ)
From October to November 2025, DDR4/DDR5 memory prices jumped 3-4x!
3-4x…?
Here are the specific prices:
DDR5-5600 16GB×2 Kit
October 1: 14,700 yen
November 2: 32,700 yen
Price increase: 2.2x (ﾟ∀ﾟ)
Distributor Wholesale Prices (for retailers)
Late August lowest: Baseline price
Current November: 3-4x (according to shop insiders)
This is insane…💦
DDR4 too, right?
Yep!
DDR4 32GB×2 kit has exceeded 20,000 yen for the first time in 2 years 9 months (´∪`)
SSDs and HDDs are also rising in price…
Why Is It Surging So Much?
Onii-chan, I looked into the cause♪
In one word, it’s all AI’s fault (ﾟ∀ﾟ)
AI?
Yeah!
Large-scale AI models (like ChatGPT) need special memory called HBM, and HBM demand is surging, so manufacturers (Micron, SK hynix, SAMSUNG) are prioritizing HBM production.
Result: PC memory gets deprioritized💦
They focus production where demand is highest.
Furthermore, the big 3 companies stopped accepting orders for the rest of the year (ﾟ∀ﾟ)
Memory manufacturers are refusing new orders, so once stock runs out, that’s it…
This is causing panic buying (´∪`)
Perfect supply-demand imbalance…
What’s Happening in the Market?
Purchase limits have started at Akihabara shops (ﾟ∀ﾟ)
Signs saying “Limit 1 per customer” or “Limited stock, restocking uncertain” are increasing, and panic buying is rampant💦
People who really need it might not be able to buy.
True (´∪`) Shortages are tough for many people…
What’s the Future Outlook?
How long will this situation last?
According to market research firms, high prices are expected to continue until around March 2026 (´∪`)
After that, supply might stabilize and calm down, but whether prices return to normal is unclear as long as AI demand continues…
Buy Now or Wait?
What’s your take, Netsuki - should I buy now or wait?
Hmm~, tough question (´∪`)
If you need it right now, you have to buy even if it’s expensive, but if it’s not urgent, I’d recommend waiting until spring 2026♪
According to market research forecasts, high prices will continue until around March 2026, but might stabilize after that (´∀`)
I see, that’s helpful.
Netsuki’s Summary
So today we talked about the massive PC memory price surge~♪ (≧∇≦)
DDR5 memory more than doubled in a month, wholesale prices 3-4x… As a result of prioritizing HBM production for AI demand, PC memory got deprioritized.
Purchase limits have started at Akihabara shops, and panic buying is rampant (ﾟ∀ﾟ)
High prices are expected to continue until around spring 2026, so if you’re not in a rush, waiting is recommended♪
It’s amazing how AI technology advances are affecting even this (´∀`)
Netsuki, thanks for researching in detail.
I’ll wait and see for a while.
Ehehe~♪
Onii-chan, that’s a smart decision (´∀`)
When prices settle down, you might be able to buy at a good price♪