RAM prices are out of control, but you can still buy a good laptop in 2026 - here's how

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ZDNET's key takeaways

• RAM prices have surged in recent months; some DDR5 kits now cost more than a PlayStation 5 Pro.
• This hurts students, power users, professionals, and gamers.
• I'll break down the best ways to save money.

If you've been following PC hardware news over the past few months, you'll know that RAM prices have climbed to absurd heights. According to PCPartPicker, the average price of a 2x 32GB DDR5-6000 kit reached nearly $800 in December 2025. For comparison, Sony's PS5 Pro currently sells for $749. 

And the situation may get worse, with more potential price surges later this year and RAM prices rising another 50% in Q1 2026 alone.

Also: How much RAM does your PC really need in 2026? A Windows and Mac expert ...