{
  "id": 34985,
  "title": "AI keeps consumer prices high in ‘RAMaggedon’ chip crunch",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/02/ai-keeps-consumer-prices-high-in-ramaggedon-chip-crunch-34985",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-02T08:10:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Straits Times Business",
    "slug": "straits-times-business",
    "url": "https://www.straitstimes.com/business/ai-keeps-consumer-prices-high-in-ramaggedon-chip-crunch"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Artificial intelligence is driving up the cost of computer memory, contributing to a global shortage that analysts dub \"RAMaggedon.\" The memory chips, known as RAM or random-access memory, are essential for running AI tools and are in high demand. As chipmakers shift their focus to producing high-bandwidth memory, prices for these components have skyrocketed. Samsung Electronics' CFO predicts that the shortage will worsen in 2027 and persist through 2028. The price for 16GB of RAM has surged from HK$300 to HK$1,500 in Hong Kong, causing significant pain for consumers and businesses. Car manufacturers are also feeling the impact, with rising costs for in-vehicle computing systems. In Tokyo, graphic designer Charles Brousse notes that the chip shortage has pushed prices for RAM, graphics cards, and motherboards to \"ridiculous levels,\" leading people to opt for cheaper laptops with shorter lifespans.",
  "summary": "It is caused as chipmakers pivot to producing an advanced type of computer memory in demand to help train AI.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Economic Times Tech",
        "title": "AI keeps consumer prices high in 'RAMaggedon' chip crunch",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/02/ai-keeps-consumer-prices-high-in-ramaggedon-chip-crunch",
        "published": "2026-08-02T04:19:40.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}