A researcher says ‘we just undid about 20 years of progress’ when it comes to memory prices, so I broke out my calculator and compared actual RAM kits from 2007 to 2026
A prominent developer and computer performance expert has highlighted a significant reversal in RAM affordability, observing that memory prices have returned to 2007 levels when measured on a per-gigabyte basis. Daniel Lemire’s recent analysis notes that the market has essentially “undone about 20 years of progress” in price reduction, interrupting decades of consistent exponential decline in memory costs.
To contextualize this dramatic shift, writers compared specific RAM kit prices from 2007 with current 2026 pricing, revealing substantial increases in the cost of memory upgrades. While the semiconductor industry has historically driven down memory costs year-over-year through technological improvements and increased production, the ongoing global memory shortage has reversed this positive trend, pushing prices to levels that haven’t been seen in nearly two decades.
The sharp price increase reflects significant supply chain challenges affecting the memory market during this period. This development carries substantial implications for consumers building or upgrading personal computers, as RAM—a critical component in overall system performance—has become considerably more expensive relative to its historical price trajectory. The shortage continues to impact PC builders and system integrators seeking to maintain affordable upgrade paths for their customers.