Framework, a company built on the promise of repairable and endlessly customizable laptops, is facing a harsh reality. Despite its innovative approach, the small business is vulnerable to the unpredictable forces of the global market, particularly the sudden and dramatic shifts in component pricing.
Recently, Framework took a step to combat price gouging by halting individual RAM sales, bundling memory only with laptop and desktop purchases. The intention was noble: to prioritize customers buying complete systems and discourage scalpers hoarding valuable components. But now, a difficult adjustment has become necessary.
Prices for configured laptops have risen, driven by a staggering 50 percent increase in the cost of RAM alone. An 8GB stick now costs $60, a price point many would consider insufficient for modern operating systems. Upgrading to 32GB will set you back $240, and the cost escalates rapidly to $720 for a massive 96GB configuration.
This isn’t a localized issue; the entire RAM market is in turmoil. Consumer-grade DDR5 memory has doubled, and in some cases tripled, in price over the last few months. The primary culprit is the insatiable demand from burgeoning “AI” datacenters, consuming industrial production capacity at an unprecedented rate.
Major memory manufacturer Micron is even dismantling its Crucial consumer brand to focus exclusively on supplying the AI industry, a clear signal of where priorities lie. Other companies are attempting to mitigate the impact through forward-looking deals and strategic stockpiling, but the effects are limited.
Consumers seeking to build or upgrade their own systems are bearing the brunt of this crisis, finding themselves at the bottom of the supply chain. Framework, despite its strong relationships with suppliers like Micron and ADATA, isn’t immune to these pressures.
Industry insiders confirm the situation is dire, though few are willing to offer concrete predictions for the future. The consensus is clear: if you can postpone an upgrade, do so. If you need to upgrade now, acting quickly may prevent even higher costs down the line.
Framework remains committed to transparency, but the company has been forced to adjust its return policy. To prevent scalpers from exploiting the below-market RAM prices, any returned laptop must include the installed memory, a necessary measure to protect its supply.
