Memory Crunch: Who's Really Pulling the Strings?

Samsung and SK hynix Lead the Way

Big names in the memory game, like Samsung and SK hynix, are calling the shots these days. They're like the gatekeepers, deciding who gets what when it comes to DRAM.

AI's Rapid Growth and Pandemic Aftermath

It's not just about AI's rapid growth; it's also about the mess left behind by the pandemic. A few years back, manufacturers weren't exactly rushing to boost production. Why? Because demand was super low.

Now, with AI driving up the need for high-bandwidth memory (HBM), these companies are scrambling to keep up.

The Consumer Impact

But here's the kicker: it's not just about AI. Regular folks are feeling the pinch too. Laptops, GPUs, you name it—these products are all affected by the DRAM shortage. And it's not going away anytime soon.

When Will It End?

Experts say we might be stuck with this mess until 2027. So, who's really in control here? The suppliers, or the market?

The Catch-22 Situation

The situation is a bit of a catch-22. On one hand, you've got AI driving demand through the roof. On the other, you've got suppliers playing catch-up, trying to ramp up production.

But it's not as simple as flipping a switch. Increasing production capacity takes time, and it's not something that can be done overnight. So, while we wait for things to improve, consumers are left dealing with the fallout.