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| Framework will increase prices for DDR5 module for DIY laptops by 50% to keep up with rising DRAM prices. |
If you've been planning a PC build or eyeing a new laptop, you've likely felt the sting of rising component costs. But the latest price hike hitting one of the most popular modular laptop makers isn't about greed—it's a direct ripple effect from the artificial intelligence gold rush. A massive surge in demand for high-performance memory from enterprise AI data centers is tightening global supply, and now, companies like Framework are being forced to adapt, passing some of the cost onto consumers.
The AI Memory Hog: Why Your Next Upgrade Costs More
The explosive growth in training and running large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT has created an insatiable appetite for DRAM. Modern AI data centers aren't just powerful; they're memory monsters. To put it in perspective, consider a single Nvidia GB300 NVL72 rack, which reportedly uses a staggering 20 TB of HBM3E and 17 TB of LPDDR5X memory. Now, imagine a full-scale data center housing hundreds of thousands of such racks. The numbers become astronomical, literally consuming memory that could have equipped millions of consumer laptops.
This enterprise feeding frenzy has caused DDR5 memory prices to more than double year-over-year, creating severe pressure on supply chains. And when the tech giants are writing the checks, the entire market feels the squeeze.
Framework Responds: A 50% Increase for DIY Memory Kits
Framework, the company beloved for its repairable and upgradeable laptops, has officially acknowledged the crunch. In a candid blog post titled "Updates on Memory Pricing and Navigating the Volatile Memory Market", the company announced a difficult but necessary decision: a 50% price increase for its DDR5 memory modules sold separately for DIY configurations.
"While we've absorbed these cost increases as long as possible, the ongoing surge in DRAM pricing has made it necessary to adjust our memory module pricing," the company stated. Notably, Framework emphasized this is a reaction to the market, not a permanent change. The post explicitly mentions that if and when memory prices return to "saner levels," the hike will be retracted.
For consumers, there's a small silver lining. Framework confirms that all orders placed before the announcement will be honored at the original price. Furthermore, prices for pre-built Framework Laptops and the Framework Desktop remain unchanged—for now. The company warns, however, that prices are expected to continue climbing well into 2025.
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| Rapidly climbing DDR5 memory prices have resulted in Framework updating memory moduel pricing. |
Cracking Down on Scalpers: A Tweak to the Return Policy
In a revealing side note, Framework's post also announced an update to its return policy, directly tied to the memory market volatility. The company stated that the previous policy was vulnerable to scalpers who could buy a DIY laptop with below-market-price memory, only to return the laptop but keep the discounted RAM for resale.
To combat this, Framework has implemented a new rule: customers who purchase a DIY laptop with memory can no longer return the laptop while retaining the memory module. It's a move that protects the company's inventory and ensures parts go to legitimate builders, but it underscores just how valuable and sought-after these memory kits have become.
What This Means for You: Act Fast or Explore Alternatives
The message is clear: the AI wave is impacting hardware prices far beyond the server room. If you've been considering a Framework DIY build, your configuration just got noticeably more expensive if you need RAM.
For those seeking power without the premium, exploring pre-built alternatives while current stock lasts might be a savvy move. One compelling option is the GMKtec Evo-X1, a compact mini PC powered by the potent AMD Ryzen AI HX 370 processor. Notably, it comes with 32GB of DDR5 memory included. It's currently available on Amazon at a competitive price point, offering a complete system that insulates you from the volatile component market—at least for now.
As AI development continues its breakneck pace, the tension between enterprise and consumer hardware demands is likely to remain a defining theme, making every upgrade decision a little more complex.