How long will the RAM shortage last?

Industry analysts expect DRAM supply to remain tight through mid-2026 as AI datacenter buildouts continue consuming production capacity. Prices may begin normalizing in Q3-Q4 2026 as new fab capacity comes online. If you need RAM now, buy now — waiting months for a potential 10-20% price drop isn't worth the lost productivity.

Is 16GB enough in 2026?

No — 32GB is the new minimum for gaming PCs. Modern games, browsers with multiple tabs, and background apps easily consume 16GB+. Content creators should target 64GB. 16GB is only acceptable for basic office work and web browsing.

Best RAM for Desktops 2026: DDR5 vs DDR4