DDR5 Memory Shortage Pressures Laptop Makers to Cut RAM Specs

Rising DDR5 memory prices aren't limited to mobile phones: The laptop market is expected to shift, too, as manufacturers race to keep costs down. TrendForce reports that companies such as Dell, Lenovo, and Framework are facing pressure to downgrade RAM in mid-range notebooks amid a spike in demand from AI data centers.

Laptops that previously shipped with 16GB of memory will most likely come with 8GB in the near future, TrendForce suggests. It will be interesting to see how Apple handles this, as it recently switched its MacBook Air line from 8GB base models to 16GB base models.

Windows 11 consumes more memory than Windows 10, so for buyers, 8GB will mean accepting slower performance and reduced ability to run applications simultaneously.

Meanwhile, premium gaming and business laptops with 32GB or 64GB configurations will see inflated prices. Manufacturers are reportedly exploring ways to manage this crisis, with some brands ...