Demand from AI data centers drives up computer memory prices

Aug 3, 2026 · 8:58 PM UTC ·3 min read · 0 reactions · 0 comments · 6 views

#demand #data #centers #drives #computer

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Sponsor Message Transcript MICHEL MARTIN, HOST: Demand from AI data centers has caused computer memory to get a lot more expensive. It's subverting a theory that tech tends to get faster and cheaper over time. Our colleagues from The Indicator, Darian Woods and Wailin Wong, explain.DARIAN WOODS, BYLINE: Steve Burke got into building computers when he was a teenager.STEVE BURKE: I built my first system when I was 15.

Key facts

▪Sponsor Message Transcript MICHEL MARTIN, HOST: Demand from AI data centers has caused computer memory to get a lot more expensive.
▪It's subverting a theory that tech tends to get faster and cheaper over time.
▪Our colleagues from The Indicator, Darian Woods and Wailin Wong, explain.DARIAN WOODS, BYLINE: Steve Burke got into building computers when he was a teenager.STEVE BURKE: I built my first system when I was 15.

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Original publisher	NPR
Canonical URL	https://www.npr.org/2026/07/30/nx-s1-5909318/massive-demand-from-ai-data-centers-drives-up-computer-memory-prices
Publication time	Mon, 03 Aug 2026 20:58:28 +0000
Retrieval time	2026-08-03T21:05:44.445Z
Last seen	2026-08-03T21:05:44.445Z
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Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand

Technology Massive demand from AI data centers drives up computer memory prices July 30, 20264:41 AM ET Heard on Morning Edition By Darian Woods , Wailin Wong Massive demand from AI data centers drives up computer memory prices Listen · 3:31 3:31 Transcript Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/nx-s1-5909318/nx-s1-9868647" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript Computer memory prices are skyrocketing and subverting a time-tested theory that says this should not be happening. Sponsor Message Transcript MICHEL MARTIN, HOST: Demand from AI data centers has caused computer memory to get a lot more expensive.

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