Framework has raised the price of DDR5 memory upgrades for its Laptop 16 DIY Edition by 50%. The company says memory suppliers have increased their prices because of a global spike in DRAM demand, especially from AI data centers. The new pricing went into effect on December 12, 2025, but customers who ordered earlier will still pay the old rates.
Why the Price Went Up
According to Framework, the cost of DDR5 and other memory types has jumped sharply this year.
One major reason is the huge demand from companies building AI servers. Modern AI hardware uses massive amounts of high‑performance memory, and manufacturers are prioritizing those orders over consumer laptop memory.
For example, a single NVIDIA GB300 AI rack needs 20TB of HBM3E and 17TB of LPDDR5X, enough memory to power thousands of laptops. This shift is reducing supply for standard DDR5 modules.
New DDR5‑5600 Upgrade Prices
| Capacity | New Price |
|---|---|
| 8GB | $60 |
| 16GB | $120 |
| 32GB | $240 |
| 48GB | $360 |
| 64GB | $480 |
| 96GB | $720 |
Framework says these prices are still lower than current market rates, even after the increase.
Return Policy Update to Stop Resellers
Framework noticed that some buyers were trying to purchase laptops just to get cheaper RAM and then return the laptop without the memory.
To prevent this:
- Any DIY laptop returned must also include its memory modules.
- Framework has temporarily stopped selling standalone DDR5 modules.
This is meant to stop scalpers and protect regular customers.
Why DDR5 Prices Are Rising Everywhere
RAM prices worldwide have gone up by 50% to 100% this year.
This is due to:
- High demand from AI servers
- Memory makers focusing on HBM and LPDDR5X
- Limited production capacity
- Strong demand for high-density DDR5 modules
Analysts expect many PC brands to increase laptop and desktop prices by 15–20% soon.
Image credit: Framework
Also Read: What is DDR5 RAM? Everything you need to know
What This Means for Buyers
Even with the increase, Framework still gives users flexibility:
- You can buy the laptop without RAM and install your own DDR5 module.
- Performance differences between DDR5 speeds are small on laptops, so capacity matters more than MHz.
- Framework says it will lower prices again if the memory market stabilizes.
But for now, prices may continue rising across the entire PC industry.
Also Read: Best Affordable AI Laptops
Conclusion
Framework’s price increase reflects a larger memory shortage affecting the entire tech world. AI systems are consuming vast amounts of RAM, so DDR5 prices are expected to remain high until at least 2026. Framework plans to lower prices when memory supply improves, but DIY laptop builders should be prepared for further fluctuations.
Sources: Framework via notebookcheck
