Framework, a modular PC company, has announced another price increase for its DDR5 RAM modules due to rising memory costs. The new pricing is set at $10 per GB for 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB modules, with higher prices for 48GB and above. This adjustment follows a previous hike earlier in the month, with the 8GB module now at $80, the 16GB at $160, and the 32GB at $320. The 48GB module has seen a significant increase from $240 to $620, while the 64GB and 96GB modules are priced at $640 and $1,240, respectively. These changes impact the configurable memory options for Framework’s DIY Edition laptop, as the company is not selling standalone DDR5 RAM modules to maintain inventory. Framework suggests users can order laptops without memory to use existing modules or find cheaper options via PCPartPicker. With suppliers indicating further price increases into early 2026, Framework warns of potential future hikes but assures that prices will be adjusted based on costs. The ongoing global memory shortage, expected to last until 2027, is driven by memory manufacturers like Micron, Samsung, and SK Hynix focusing on the AI industry. This matters because it highlights the impact of global supply chain issues on consumer electronics pricing and availability.
When deciding between the RTX 5060Ti and RX 9060 XT, both with 16GB, NVIDIA emerges as the preferable choice for those interested in AI and local language models due to better support and fewer issues compared to AMD. The AMD option, despite its recent release, faces challenges with AI-related applications, making NVIDIA a more reliable option for developers focusing on these areas. The PC build under consideration includes an AMD Ryzen 7 5700X CPU, a Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black CPU cooler, a GIGABYTE B550 Eagle WIFI6 motherboard, and a Corsair 4000D Airflow case, aiming for a balanced and efficient setup. This matters because choosing the right GPU can significantly impact performance and compatibility in AI and machine learning tasks.