What a DRAM shortage could mean for your business
We recently attended the Canalys APAC Forum 2025 where we were warned that a shortage of memory chips, specifically dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), could impact market supply through 2026.
Earlier this month, Steve Brazier, Co-founder of Canapii told IT partners at Canalys’ APAC forum that “we suspect the PC market will turn negative in 2026, not because of demand but because of supply,” according to IT news platform Tech Partner.
“There simply isn’t enough memory,” he reportedly said.
DRAM allows devices to store data and it’s used in computers, servers, smartphones, and, more recently, AI servers.
The potential memory shortage is being driven by a surge in demand in the race to build AI infrastructure, which could potentially take a large share of supply away from the general consumer market.
According to Reuters, AI infrastructure giants Microsoft and Google are already trying to secure supplies from the three big memory chip makers: Micron, Samsung, and SK Hynix.
But demand is causing these makers to react, with Samsung increasing chip prices by up to 60% and Micron announcing early December that it would “exit the crucial consumer business”, with consumer product shipments to end after February 2026.
“Micron has made the difficult decision to exit the Crucial consumer business in order to improve supply and support for our larger, strategic customers in faster-growing segments,” Sumit Sadana, EVP and Chief Business Officer at Micron Technology said in a recent media release.
Samsung and SK Hynix have reportedly announced they will invest in new capacity, but building new memory chips is a slow and complex process that can take months.
How this could impact your business
Suppliers of servers, desktops and laptops could start to limit the availability of RAM-heavy machines, which may lead to longer lead times for new device deployments or project timelines.
Companies that can secure new devices or memory upgrades may be looking at higher costs, impacting IT budgets as we move into 2026.
There may also be a reduction in upgrade flexibility for IT teams across Australia, which is why planning and early procurement can help mitigate any of these risks.
What businesses should do
Plan and prioritise your hardware roadmap early
Get an up-to-date audit of your current inventory and check for any servers, laptops, computers or storage systems that may require memory upgrades soon so you can pre-order well in advance.
Now’s also the time to prioritise any projects that are business critical, making sure budget and resources are put towards those projects first.
Leverage cloud infrastructure
Consider taking a hybrid approach, combining on-premises and cloud infrastructure to reduce hardware device dependency.
Work strategically with partners
Look to purchase in bulk now if budgets allow, get stock pre-allocated for future purchase, or consider refurbished hardware as an option. Partners can help with mapping out lead times and identifying potential risks specific to your business.
Monitor the market
Keep an eye on supply bottlenecks and adjust your procurement timing or budgets accordingly.
Is your business looking for guidance in navigating the challenges a DRAM shortage could cause? Get in touch today to explore solutions and how our expert team can help.
