Marketplace All-in-One AI is eating up the world's computing memory
Jan 13, 2026
Tom Minnelli, VP of device and consumer research at IDC, explores the powerful intersection of AI and memory demand. He discusses how high-bandwidth memory, crucial for AI operations, is fueling a global shortage impacting PCs and smartphones. Minnelli also reveals that a few companies dominate HBM production, while Micron’s exit from consumer RAM poses challenges. He predicts these memory shortages might linger until 2026 or beyond, affecting consumer choices and pushing gamers towards AI-ready PCs with higher RAM requirements.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
AI Drives Prolonged Memory Shortage
- Memory demand from AI (especially high-bandwidth memory) has created a global shortage affecting PCs and smartphones.
- IDC expects the shortage to persist through 2026 and possibly into 2027 as vendors delay capacity expansion.
Concentrated Memory Production Limits Options
- Production of high-bandwidth memory is concentrated among very few companies, limiting supply flexibility.
- Micron exited consumer RAM to prioritize higher-margin data-center customers, tightening consumer supply further.
Plan Purchases As Prices And Specs Shift
- Expect higher PC prices, smaller vendors losing share, and vendors offering lower-spec builds to manage costs.
- Plan purchases carefully and compare systems since manufacturers may cut CPU or feature specs to afford more RAM.