GoKawiil
Tech News
A shortage of computer RAM, informally dubbed 'RAMageddon,' is being driven in part by AI data centers consuming large quantities of memory chips. The shortage is pushing up prices for consumers and businesses that rely on RAM for computers and other devices.
Gigabyte says Intel will revive LGA 1700 socket support for new processors arriving in early 2027, bringing back compatibility with older DDR4 memory alongside DDR5. AMD is taking a similar approach, with Gigabyte also announcing new AM4 motherboards tied to a 10th-anniversary relaunch of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D chip.
During Prime Day, Amazon discounted a variety of PC maintenance toolkits, including a 155-piece electronics set at 37% off and a 164-in-1 precision screwdriver kit at 24% off. These tools are designed to help users build, repair, and maintain their PCs more efficiently, with comprehensive sets for different needs.
Microsoft introduced the Surface Laptop Ultra, a high-end laptop featuring an aluminum chassis, a bright display, and options for up to 128GB of RAM. Priced starting at $2,599, it emphasizes build quality and performance, especially for AI developers needing powerful portable systems. Early impressions highlight its minimalist design and robust construction, with industry insiders expressing enthusiasm for its AI capabilities.
Microsoft announced the Surface Laptop Ultra, featuring a base configuration with 24GB of RAM and a retail price of $2,600. The device aims to deliver a comprehensive laptop experience, potentially reducing the need for future upgrades. The announcement highlights Microsoft's focus on high-end specifications for premium users.
Corsair is discounting a 32GB DDR5-5600 Vengeance memory kit by $103 to $414.99 as part of a broader sale on its products with savings up to 30%. The kit supports both AMD EXPO and Intel XMP profiles, and buyers choosing the Intel-tuned version can save an additional $5.
Valve's September 2026 Steam Hardware Survey shows 32GB of system RAM is now used by 42.22% of surveyed gaming PCs, up 4.77% from August, while 16GB configurations fell to 37.82%. Unusual configurations like 24GB and 48GB also grew slightly, even as a global memory chip shortage continues.
DDR5 memory kits are labeled with a data rate (in millions of transfers per second) and a CAS latency figure, which together determine actual response time rather than clock speed alone. JEDEC's standard timings keep real latency close to 14 nanoseconds across speeds from DDR5-3200 to DDR5-8800, meaning faster-rated kits with looser timings aren't necessarily quicker to respond, just capable of moving more data once it starts flowing. Premium kits distinguish themselves by tightening CAS latency at a given speed or pushing to higher speeds like DDR5-9600.
A tech explainer details Windows 11's SysMain feature, which preloads frequently used apps into RAM to speed performance, often making memory usage appear high even when not needed. The guide recommends checking Task Manager's Processes tab, restarting periodically to clear memory leaks, and disabling unnecessary startup apps, while cautioning against third-party memory cleaner tools.
Valve's September 2026 Hardware and Software Survey shows 32GB system memory overtook 16GB as the most common setup among Steam users, rising to 42.22% of all sampled rigs, a 4.77-point jump from August. On Windows specifically, 32GB reached about 43% while 16GB fell to 37.6%, and 8GB systems made up just over 6% across all platforms.
Samsung raised prices across its entire Galaxy A lineup for the second time this week, with the A17 5G rising from $200 to $270, the A27 5G to $380, the A37 5G to $490, and the A57 5G to $600. Google increased the Pixel 10a's price by $100, from $499 to $599 in the US, with an even steeper jump in Canada from $679 to $849.
Samsung has increased US prices on four Galaxy A series phones: the A57 5G now starts at $599.99, the A37 5G at $489.99, the A27 5G at $379.99, and the A17 5G at $269.99. Each model rose $30-$50, with the A17 5G having already received a $50 hike in August, putting it $70 above its original $199.99 launch price.