What Is RAMageddon? Why AI Is Making Laptops and Phones More Expensive

Barbara is a tech writer specializing in AI and emerging technologies. With a background as a systems librarian in software development, she brings a unique perspective to her reporting. Having lived in the USA and Ireland, Barbara now resides in Croatia. She covers the latest in artificial intelligence and tech innovations. Her work draws on years of experience in tech and other fields, blending technical know-how with a passion for how technology shapes our world.

You've probably heard people say that AI is coming for your job. But right now, it's coming for your laptop budget.

The latest tech panic has a fittingly dramatic name: RAMageddon. It refers to the global memory-chip supply shortage pushing up the price of laptops, phones, graphics cards and other devices.

AI data centers need enormous amounts of memory, especially a premium type called high-bandwidth memory, or HBM. Big Tech ...