The global DRAM shortage, fueled by overwhelming demand from AI and data centers, is now directly impacting consumer electronics pricing. Framework, the company renowned for its modular and repairable laptops, has become one of the first major system integrators to officially announce a significant price increase for memory upgrades, signaling a challenging period ahead for PC builders and upgraders.
Framework Announces Steep 50% Increase for Laptop DIY Memory
In a move that reflects the severe strain on the memory supply chain, Framework has confirmed a 50% price increase for DDR5 SO-DIMM memory modules configurable with its Laptop DIY Edition. The company announced the change on December 12, 2025, stating it was a necessary response to "substantially higher costs" from its suppliers and distributors. Framework emphasized that this new pricing, while sharply higher, still aims to remain competitive with or below current open-market rates. This adjustment is a direct consequence of the worsening availability of DRAM chips, a situation affecting nearly every segment of the electronics industry.
Framework DDR5 SO-DIMM Pricing (Post-Increase)
- 8GB DDR5-5600: USD 60
- 16GB DDR5-5600: USD 120 (Configurations available from 8GB up to 96GB for the Laptop DIY Edition)
Current Pricing and Market Context
Following the increase, Framework's base 8GB DDR5-5600 SO-DIMM now costs USD 60. A 16GB module is priced at USD 120. To put this in context, a quick market check reveals that a comparable 16GB DDR5-4800 module from a major retailer is currently listed at USD 151.74, indicating that Framework's post-hike prices can still represent a significant value, especially for higher-performance memory. The company offers configurations ranging from 8GB up to a substantial 96GB (using two 48GB modules) for its DIY laptops. This transparent, albeit higher, pricing stands in stark contrast to the upgrade costs charged by some major OEMs, which Framework has previously criticized.
Scope of the Increase and Future Implications
Importantly, this initial price hike is limited in scope. It applies only to DDR5 memory for the Laptop DIY Edition and does not affect existing pre-orders. Furthermore, pricing for pre-built Framework laptops and the Framework Desktop system remains unchanged for now. However, the company's statement carries a clear warning: it is "highly likely" that further price adjustments will be necessary in the near future for any product utilizing DDR5, LPDDR5X, or GDDR memory. The volatility of the memory market means that the cost of building or upgrading a PC is becoming increasingly unpredictable.
Key Details of the Price Increase Announcement
- Announcement Date: December 12, 2025
- Increase Amount: 50%
- Affected Product: Framework Laptop DIY Edition (memory configuration)
- Unaffected Items: Existing pre-orders, pre-built laptops, Framework Desktop (for now)
- Reason Cited: "Substantially higher costs" from suppliers due to DRAM shortage.
- Future Outlook: Further price updates are "highly likely" for all products using DDR5, LPDDR5X, or GDDR memory.
The Root Cause: AI and Data Centers Draining Supply
The primary driver behind this industry-wide shortage is a massive supply-demand imbalance. Manufacturers like Samsung, SK hynix, and Micron have pivoted production to prioritize high-margin products for AI servers and data centers over consumer-grade DRAM. Framework illustrated the scale of this shift by noting that a single Nvidia GB300 Blackwell AI server rack can contain 17TB of LPDDR5X memory—enough to equip thousands of laptops. With AI infrastructure consuming memory at an unprecedented rate, the consumer market is struggling for allocation. This trend was underscored by Micron's recent decision to discontinue its consumer-focused Crucial brand to better serve the AI sector.
Framework's Response and Consumer Guidance
In response to these market forces, Framework has stated its intention to absorb costs where possible to maintain stability but acknowledges that market realities are forcing its hand. The company has also taken steps to combat scalping, a problem it faced when its competitively priced standalone memory attracted resellers. Framework has discontinued direct memory sales to consumers and updated its return policy for DIY laptops to require that all configured memory be returned with the device. For consumers, the advice is clear: if planning a Framework DIY laptop build, finalizing the memory configuration sooner rather than later may be prudent, as further price increases appear inevitable in the coming weeks and months.
Looking Ahead: A Prolonged Period of High Memory Costs
The outlook for memory pricing in 2026 is not optimistic. Framework itself suggested that a return to normal market conditions is unlikely within the next year. The confluence of constrained supply, strategic shifts by memory manufacturers, and insatiable demand from the AI sector creates a perfect storm for high prices. For companies like Framework that champion transparency and fair pricing, navigating this landscape will be a significant challenge. For consumers, the era of cheap and abundant memory for DIY projects is, at least temporarily, on pause, making informed and timely purchasing decisions more critical than ever.