In this edition of the Web News, Matt and Mike dive into the idea that consumer computing might be reaching a breaking point. With RAM prices skyrocketing, hardware getting more expensive, and the industry shifting toward cloud-powered and AI-assisted workflows, we ask a dramatic question:
Is this the end of consumer computing as we know it?
We explore how pricing, market consolidation, and changing developer expectations are reshaping the future - and whether everyday consumers will still be able to afford powerful machines in the coming years.
If you haven’t seen what’s happening with RAM pricing lately, it may be time to update yourself on the situation. RAM has been increasing in price at an alarming rate due to the sheer demand of AI datacenters gobbling up so much supply that even they can’t get enough. Consumers, of course, are going to pay for this (and already are) with some RAM increasing in price 200%+ in just a few short months. You may think that this issue is limited to custom PC builders, but that’s where you’re wrong. As pre-built PC manufacturers, gaming console makers, and other electronic producers run out of their own personal stock of RAM… they’ll be forced to buy at the new increased prices.
Back Story: https://www.jeffgeerling.com/blog/2025/ram-shortage-comes-us-all
Pricing Charts: https://pcpartpicker.com/trends/price/memory/
