Is the pricing of SSDs and memory about to follow the path of skyrocketing graphics card prices? According to an analysis by Tom’s Hardware, there are ominous forecasts foretelling such a scenario. Analysts and manufacturers alike are warning of significant shortages in NAND and DRAM, which could lead to soaring prices in the months and years to come, with some forecasts indicating a shortage lasting up to a decade.

The explosion in AI hardware demand is the underlying cause. Following a dip in demand during 2022 and 2023, manufacturers reduced production, which has now contributed to increased pricing. AI technologies are driving unprecedented needs for both storage and memory. For instance, OpenAI has secured an agreement with Samsung and SK Hynix for an astounding 900,000 DRAM wafers monthly, potentially consuming 40% of global production. Furthermore, Samsung’s next-generation V9 3D NAND memory is reportedly fully booked before its official release, while Micron’s High Bandwidth Memory is predicted to be sold out until the end of 2026.

Phison CEO Pua Khein-Seng warns about a prolonged “supercycle” of demand that could persist, resulting in stringent supply conditions for years ahead. If these projections prove accurate, they may pose significant challenges for PC gamers, who have already been facing elevated GPU costs driven by similar AI-related pressures.

In a landscape filled with concerns regarding a potential “trillion-dollar AI bubble,” the future remains uncertain, but it may be prudent to secure good deals on PC components soon, particularly during sales events like Amazon Prime Day.