Memory-makers’ shares are down. Some RAM prices have eased. Blaming Google is not a good idea

The high cost of memory has sideswiped the technology industry, causing server vendors to admit their quotes are guesstimates and depressing sales of PCs and smartphones. Nobody is immune: Microsoft used the RAM panic as cover for fixing Windows 11’s memory gluttony, and Sony suspended orders for compact flash and SD cards because it can’t buy the chips to build them.

Demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure created the situations described above by giving memory-makers incentive to production of high-bandwidth and high-margin memory GPUs require. Reduced supply for other memory sent prices soaring.

Yet over the last week, the price of consumer-grade memory has reportedly eased at some online vendors.

Memory-makers’ share prices slipped sharply. The value of Micron Technology’s scrip has slumped in the dozen days since it announced enormous growth in revenue and profits. Western Digital’s share price fell 8.5 percent on Monday alone ...