Why Prebuilt Gaming PCs Are About to Get More Expensive: The RAM Price Surge Explained
CyberPowerPC has confirmed that it will raise prices across its entire lineup starting December 7th due to surging DRAM costs, while boutique rival Maingear is publicly trying to delay any increases for as long as possible. Their decisions highlight a broader trend: memory prices are climbing fast as demand rebounds for AI, cloud, and next‑gen gaming workloads. For anyone shopping for a prebuilt rig—or considering upgrading an existing machine—understanding how RAM pricing works has suddenly become essential.
Mission Overview: Why RAM Prices Are Spiking in Late 2025
The “mission” facing PC builders in late 2025 is straightforward but difficult: keep systems attractive and affordable while the cost of key components, especially DRAM (system memory) and sometimes VRAM (graphics memory), climbs sharply. CyberPowerPC’s decision to increase prices in December signals that the underlying cost pressures have become too large to absorb.
Memory manufacturers like Samsung, SK hynix, and Micron spent much of 2023 and early 2024 cutting production after a post‑pandemic PC slump created inventory gluts. Now, with AI workloads ramping up, data centers refreshing hardware, and gamers adopting higher‑capacity DDR5 kits, demand is outpacing that throttled supply.
“DRAM pricing is entering a multi‑quarter upcycle driven by AI servers and next‑gen PCs, and we expect contract prices to continue rising into 2026.”
— Summary of analysis from market research firms tracking global DRAM contracts
For system integrators (SIs) like CyberPowerPC and Maingear, memory is a significant line item. When DRAM contract prices rise 20–30% in a matter of quarters, prebuilt system margins are squeezed—especially on budget and midrange builds with thin profit per unit.
CyberPowerPC vs. Maingear: Different Strategies, Same Market Reality
CyberPowerPC: Passing Costs On, Starting December 7
CyberPowerPC, one of the largest US‑based gaming PC builders, has announced across‑the‑board price increases beginning December 7th. While the company has not published a detailed SKU‑by‑SKU breakdown, its statement indicates:
- All major lines—gaming, creator, and workstation—will see some level of price adjustment.
- Configurations with higher RAM capacities (32GB, 64GB, and above) are likely to see the largest absolute price jumps.
- Entry‑level systems may attempt to hold key price points by adjusting specs (for example, 16GB instead of 32GB).
From an operations standpoint, this is a rational move. Large integrators work with forward contracts on memory; when renewed at higher rates, they must either shrink margins or adjust pricing. CyberPowerPC is choosing not to gamble on an immediate price reversal in the DRAM market.
Maingear: Holding the Line—For Now
Boutique builder Maingear, known for premium custom loops and hand‑built workstations, has indicated it will try to delay price hikes as long as possible. Because Maingear targets higher spenders, it may have slightly more flexibility to absorb cost increases temporarily, especially on flagship builds.
“We’re doing everything we can to keep prices stable without cutting corners on quality, even as component costs continue to rise.”
— Public statements and commentary from Maingear representatives
Ultimately, however, Maingear buys DRAM from the same global suppliers, and the core economics apply equally. Unless there is a surprise correction in memory prices, boutique builders will also have to adjust pricing or reduce included RAM specs over the coming quarters.
Technology Background: DDR5, HBM, and the Memory Supply Chain
To understand why your next prebuilt PC is getting more expensive, it helps to know what you are paying for. Modern gaming and creator rigs use a combination of:
- DDR5 DRAM as main system memory.
- GDDR6 / GDDR6X VRAM soldered onto graphics cards.
- High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) stacks on high‑end AI and data‑center GPUs.
DDR5: The New Baseline for Gaming PCs
For most prebuilt buyers in late 2025, the key cost driver is DDR5 DRAM. Compared to DDR4, DDR5 offers:
- Higher data rates (e.g., DDR5‑5600 to DDR5‑7200 common in gaming rigs).
- Improved power efficiency and on‑module power management (PMIC).
- Support for larger individual DIMM capacities (up to 64GB or 128GB per stick on some platforms).
The downside: DDR5 is more complex to manufacture, and yields on cutting‑edge speeds can fluctuate. When demand spikes—for example, from AI‑optimized laptops or enterprise refresh cycles—consumer‑oriented DIMM pricing tends to follow.
AI and HBM: Indirect Pressure on PC RAM
HBM3 and HBM3E used in AI accelerators are built on some of the same advanced process nodes and capacity allocations as DDR5 and GDDR6. As hyperscalers (large cloud providers) race to deploy AI servers, memory vendors prioritize high‑margin HBM, which can tighten the effective supply available for commodity DRAM.
“AI is redefining memory demand. We see a multi‑year cycle where AI servers consume a growing share of DRAM and NAND output.”
— Adapted from earnings commentary by major memory manufacturers
How Rising RAM Prices Affect Prebuilt PC Buyers
For end users, the RAM price surge does not only mean a simple line item increase. It shapes how system builders configure and market their machines.
1. Higher Base Prices on Popular Configurations
Expect to see:
- Budget gaming PCs move up by roughly $50–$100, depending on RAM capacity and GPU tier.
- Midrange builds (e.g., Core i7 / Ryzen 7 with RTX 4070‑class GPUs) creep up by $80–$150 if they retain 32GB of DDR5.
- High‑end and creator workstations with 64–128GB RAM potentially increasing by $150–$300 or more.
2. Subtle Spec Changes: Less RAM for the Same Price
When marketing teams want to hold familiar price points (for example, “starting at $1,299”), they may:
- Reduce base RAM from 32GB to 16GB.
- Offer single‑channel memory (one DIMM) instead of dual‑channel, hurting performance.
- Use lower‑frequency DDR5 (e.g., 4800 MT/s instead of 6000+ MT/s).
This is where informed buyers can accidentally pay the same price for a materially weaker configuration. Always inspect detailed specs, not just CPU and GPU model.
3. Upgrade Paths: DIY vs. Pre‑Installed Memory
In many cases, you can still save money by buying a system with minimal RAM and upgrading yourself using retail DIMM kits. Well‑reviewed options include:
- Corsair Vengeance DDR5 32GB (2x16GB) 6000MHz for modern Intel and AMD gaming platforms.
- G.SKILL Trident Z5 RGB DDR5 32GB kits favored by enthusiasts for higher‑end overclocked builds.
Economic and Technological Significance of the RAM Upcycle
Although it is frustrating for PC buyers, the RAM price rebound is a textbook example of semiconductor boom‑bust cycles. For economists and technologists, it underscores how:
- Cyclical demand in PCs, smartphones, and servers drives multi‑year swings in memory pricing.
- Capital‑intensive fabs cannot be turned on or off instantly, making over‑ and undersupply common.
- Emerging workloads—most notably generative AI—can rapidly reprice “commodity” components like DRAM.
“Memory is no longer a simple commodity; it’s a strategic resource for AI, cloud, and advanced consumer devices.”
— Perspective frequently echoed by semiconductor industry analysts and trade groups
For researchers modeling technology adoption, the 2025–2026 RAM cycle illustrates how AI‑driven demand can spill over into consumer segments such as gaming PCs, even if most buyers never deploy an LLM locally.
Key Milestones and Timeline for PC Buyers
While exact contract figures are private, several public milestones help frame what is happening:
- 2023: DRAM prices hit multi‑year lows after a post‑pandemic PC downturn. Many prebuilt PCs quietly increased RAM capacities because memory was historically cheap.
- Mid‑2024: AI server demand accelerates; analysts predict an upcycle in DRAM prices extending into 2026.
- Early–Mid 2025: DDR5 spot and contract prices rise; enthusiasts notice memory kits creeping back up in retail channels.
- Late 2025: System integrators like CyberPowerPC publicly announce price rises on prebuilt PCs, with boutique builders warning of similar pressures.
- 2026 (projected): Depending on AI demand, new fab capacity, and macroeconomics, DRAM pricing may stabilize—but few expect a quick return to the 2023 lows.
Challenges for Manufacturers, Retailers, and Consumers
Challenges for System Builders
- Margin compression: On price‑sensitive builds, it is difficult to raise prices without losing sales to DIY alternatives.
- Inventory risk: Buying DRAM in bulk ahead of time can backfire if prices later fall—or not buying enough can leave them short during a spike.
- Customer expectations: Gamers and creators expect 32GB+ as a standard in 2025; stepping back to 16GB can be perceived as regression.
Challenges for Retailers and E‑tailers
- Explaining why system prices are rising while CPU and GPU MSRPs may be flat or even dropping.
- Managing product pages so that spec changes (e.g., 16GB vs 32GB RAM) are clear and accessible for all shoppers, complying with WCAG 2.2 guidelines.
Challenges for End Users
Consumers must navigate a more complex trade‑off space:
- Buy now before further price increases, or wait for potential stabilization.
- Prioritize RAM capacity vs. GPU horsepower vs. storage size.
- Decide whether a DIY build is worth the time and risk compared with a prebuilt.
Practical Advice: How to Buy Smart During a RAM Price Surge
Even with rising component costs, you can still optimize value. Consider the following strategies:
1. Lock In 32GB as a Practical Minimum for High‑End Gaming
Many modern titles and creator workflows (video editing, 3D rendering, streaming with multiple browser tabs) benefit significantly from 32GB. If you can:
- Prefer 2×16GB dual‑channel kits over a single 32GB DIMM for better bandwidth.
- Avoid dropping to 16GB purely to save $50–$80 on a $1,500+ machine if you plan to keep the PC for several years.
2. Consider Buying a Lower‑RAM Prebuilt and Upgrading Yourself
Some prebuilt configurations overcharge for RAM upgrades. Compare:
- The price difference between 16GB and 32GB SKUs on the builder’s site.
- The cost of a trusted 32GB kit on Amazon or reputable retailers.
Often, adding your own memory still saves money, especially if the builder’s 32GB option carries a heavy markup.
3. Watch for Sales on High‑Quality RAM Kits
During event sales, component makers may temporarily discount kits even in an upcycle. In addition to the Corsair and G.SKILL kits mentioned earlier, many creators rely on:
- Crucial DDR5 32GB (2x16GB) 5600MHz as a solid, reliable choice for productivity systems.
4. Think in Terms of Total Platform Cost of Ownership
Spending a bit more now on adequate RAM can be cheaper than doing a partial platform overhaul later. For example:
- Buying 32GB today vs. replacing a 16GB kit in a year when prices may still be high.
- Ensuring you have at least two open DIMM slots for future expansion on micro‑ATX or ATX boards.
Conclusion: Short‑Term Pain, Long‑Term Cycles
CyberPowerPC’s December price hikes and Maingear’s cautious stance are not isolated decisions—they are signals that the memory market has entered a new phase. Rising DRAM costs driven by AI, data‑center, and next‑gen client demand are filtering down into everyday gaming and creator PCs.
For buyers, the best response is not panic, but planning. Understand how much RAM you truly need, learn to read full spec sheets, and be willing to separate the base system purchase from memory upgrades if that yields better value. These cycles eventually turn, but in the near term, informed decisions are the most powerful hedge against an expensive component landscape.
Additional Resources and Further Reading
To dive deeper into memory markets, PC building strategies, and the economics behind component pricing, explore:
- Market analysis from TrendForce DRAM Research for up‑to‑date contract and spot price trends.
- The Semiconductor Industry Association for policy, investment, and manufacturing overviews.
- PC building tutorials and GPU/CPU bottleneck guides from Gamers Nexus on YouTube and Linus Tech Tips .
- In‑depth hardware reviews and memory scaling articles at AnandTech and Tom's Hardware .
- Professional analysis on LinkedIn from semiconductor and cloud infrastructure experts discussing AI‑driven component demand.
References / Sources
- TrendForce – DRAM Market Research
- Micron – Industry Insights and Blogs
- SK hynix – Press Releases
- Samsung Semiconductor – News & Events
- Tom’s Hardware – Component and PC Market News
- AnandTech – DRAM and Memory Coverage
Note: Specific pricing figures and timelines are based on public reporting, vendor commentary, and market‑research projections available through late November 2025. Always confirm current prices and specifications at the time of purchase.
