RAM Rant

Have you noticed a recent surge in the prices of some electronic products? There’s a reason for that. RAM prices have skyrocketed because of increasing Artificial Intelligence consumption. According to ZDNet.com, “AI data centers will mop up 70% of all memory chips produced this year.” I first noticed signs of that a few weeks ago.

Before the end of last year, I thought of buying a 5 TB external hard drive from Western Digital. A 4 TB drive I’ve had for over four years still worked, but figured it would be wise to get another one for backing up my computer files. External hard drives eventually quit working. Due to a temporary decrease in donations for my ministry, I’ve decided to wait.


Then in March of this year, I felt it was time to purchase that extra hard drive. However, I noticed the prices on the Western Digital website were higher than before. Therefore, I opted to buy a 4 TB hard drive on sale at Best Buy. Back then, the electronics store sold that for $139 plus tax (I previously bought the same product for less money). It has since doubled in price. The website now lists that hard drive at $259!


When donations became more consistent again, I contemplated upgrading my laptop. For over two years, I’ve owned a MacBook Air but desired to go back to using a MacBook Pro. Many websites and apps nowadays consume more memory. Unfortunately, Apple charges outrageous rates for additional RAM and storage in their products. Nevertheless, I considered trading in my MacBook Air at the Apple Store. There I can also receive a 10% discount for being a veteran. This past Monday, an employee there ran a diagnostic test on my current MacBook. The “spinning beach ball of death” had been coming up more frequently. He suggested waiting for the next software update and even advised me to hang onto my MacBook Air longer. I now have a good reason to heed his advice.


Two days later, Apple suddenly raised their prices. The MacBook Pro I wanted went up $300! Even the prices of their refurbished laptops increased. Then I checked the website for Micro Center where my last two MacBooks were purchased. Their prices had gone up as well. MacBook prices on the Best Buy and Amazon websites remained the same for the next day or two, but they don’t give veterans discounts. Out of curiosity, I checked the estimated trade-in value for my MacBook Air. On the Apple website, it remained at $500 after the price hikes. Best Buy would only give me $450.


ZDNet has stated, “The most optimistic estimates that I’ve seen for when RAM shortages will ease and things might get better is the second half of 2027.” However, Terri Savelle Foy shared testimonies in a video to emphasize that believers don’t always have to pay the world’s prices for things. I will trust the Lord to make a way for me to acquire my next MacBook without it costing an arm and a leg.


“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” 

- Philippians 4:19

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