Framework Raises DDR5 Memory Prices by 50% Amid Shortage

Framework Computer announced a dramatic 50% price increase for DDR5 memory configurations in its Laptop DIY Edition, effective December 12, 2025. The modular laptop maker attributes the hike to industry-wide DRAM shortages driven by explosive AI datacenter demand, while warning more increases are likely as memory costs continue climbing throughout 2026.

Price Breakdown

AI Demand Depletes DRAM Supply

Framework founder Nirav Patel explained that AI infrastructure is consuming unprecedented memory quantities, creating severe supply constraints for consumer products. A single NVIDIA GB300 rack requires 20TB of HBM3E and 17TB of LPDDR5X—enough laptop memory for 1,000 devices. Modern AI datacenters deploy thousands of these racks, essentially consuming memory equivalent to millions of laptops.

The three surviving major DRAM manufacturers—Micron, SK hynix, and Samsung—prioritize higher-margin server products over consumer PC memory. Micron recently announced shutting down its Crucial consumer brand to focus exclusively on AI and datacenter markets. This leaves PC-focused supply significantly tighter with years-long lag time needed for fabrication capacity expansion.

Framework’s Transparent Approach

Despite the increase, Framework maintains pricing below current open market rates for equivalent DDR5 SO-DIMM modules. The company emphasized its commitment to transparency, stating it won’t use the shortage as an excuse for excessive markups—taking direct shots at Dell and Apple for what it called inflated RAM upgrade pricing practices.

Existing pre-orders remain unaffected by the price adjustment. Prebuilt Framework laptops and the Framework Desktop maintain current pricing temporarily, making the 128GB desktop configuration particularly attractive before inevitable increases. Customers can still order DIY laptops without memory to reuse existing modules or source deals elsewhere.

Policy Changes Combat Scalpers

Framework updated its return policy to prevent scalpers from exploiting below-market memory prices. Previously, buyers could purchase DIY laptops with memory, return the laptop, and keep the RAM. Now returns require including all originally purchased memory, protecting inventory for legitimate customers building complete systems.

The company stopped selling standalone DDR5 modules weeks ago, reserving stock exclusively for laptop configurations. Similar measures appeared across the industry, with Newegg removing standalone DDR5 from its marketplace to prioritize complete DIY builds over scalper activity.

More Increases Expected

Framework warned the memory market remains extremely volatile with supplier costs continuing to rise. The company stated it’s highly likely further price updates will affect both DDR5 modules and systems using DDR5, LPDDR5X, or GDDR memory. Industry analysts predict major OEMs like Dell preparing 15-20% PC price increases starting mid-December, while Lenovo warned existing quotes expire January 1, 2026.

Consumer DDR5 prices have doubled or tripled in recent months. System builders including CyberPowerPC already announced RAM and SSD price adjustments. Framework maintains strong partnerships with Micron and module makers like ADATA to secure continued supply, though challenges persist throughout 2026.

For budget-conscious builders considering Framework laptops, acting sooner rather than later proves wise. Current pricing represents better value than what’s coming. Explore options at Framework’s official store and follow tech industry updates at TechnoSports.

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