AMD’s New Chips Face RAM Price Crisis in 2026

Generally, People are excited about AMD’s new chips. Normally, You would think they are the most important thing in the tech world right now. Actually, The real challenge is the RAM price crisis, which is affecting everyone. Obviously, This is a big problem that needs to be solved.

New Chips on the Block

Usually, New chips are a big deal, and AMD’s Ryzen 7 9850X3D and Strix Halo APUs are no exception. Apparently, They are meant for laptops and handheld gamers, and they promise to deliver a bit more power for pros and players. Probably, This is because they sit on the older RDNA 3.5 graphics, not the new RDNA 4 that everyone was hoping for. Naturally, This is a bit disappointing for some people.

The Real Challenge: RAM Prices

Interestingly, The real challenge is not the new chips, but the RAM price crisis. Evidently, DDR5 RAM prices have shot up nearly 500% in some markets, making it difficult for people to upgrade their systems. Clearly, This is a big problem that needs to be solved, and AMD is talking to suppliers to try to find a solution. Hopefully, They will be able to find a way to reduce the prices and make RAM more affordable for everyone.

Software Struggles and Skepticism

Fortunately, There is a glimpse of hope on the horizon, and that is the RDNA 4 APUs. Apparently, They promise to bring big gains for handheld gaming, and frame-generation could finally shine on low-power devices. Usually, This would give them a punch-above-their-weight performance, which would be great for gamers. Naturally, This is something that everyone is looking forward to.

What This Means for Consumers

Generally, 2026 will be a challenging year for PC builders and gamers alike. Obviously, The RAM price crisis will affect everyone, and people will need to budget for it. Normally, You would expect to spend a big chunk of your budget on RAM, so it’s essential to hunt for deals and brace for sticker shock. Probably, The best thing to do is to temper your expectations and wait for the market to calm down.

The Road Ahead

Ultimately, The road ahead for AMD is rocky, but not without openings. Apparently, How well they handle the RAM crunch and deliver on software promises will shape their fate. Normally, You would expect a company like AMD to find a way to solve the problems and come out on top. Hopefully, They will be able to do that, and the PC-hardware world will be a better place for it.