Growth of AI could lead to memory chip crisis; understand
The RAM memory chip crisis could worsen in the coming months, with projections of price increases. These components are responsible for temporarily storing data in applications, cell phones and computers, and their scarcity tends to directly impact the end consumer.
According to Adriano Ponte, from Canal Tech, the problem originates from a small component present in practically all modern electronic devices - from RAM memory sticks and video cards to cell phones and household appliances with connectivity.
"It is present both on the video card, in the RAM memory, in your cell phone, and in countless applications", explained Ponte during his appearance on CNN Brasil.
The role of artificial intelligence in scarcity
The same component that serves to temporarily store data can be configured in different ways to meet the high-speed needs of artificial intelligence.
According to Ponte, it was precisely the demand from large AI players that accelerated the depletion of global stocks.
"For the first time there is excessive consumption by the industry, by the big AI players around this. So it ended up on the market", he stated. Purchases have occurred in great volume and speed, and, when the end of stocks was announced, there was still a six-month reserve - which has already been consumed.
The production of these components is concentrated in a few global suppliers: SK Hynix and Samsung, both South Korean, and the American Micron. This dependence on a geographically concentrated production chain, especially in Asia, makes stock replenishment a slow and complex process.
Ponte highlighted that replacing the component within devices from companies such as Apple, Samsung and Microsoft will take many months. Forecasts for market normalization, which previously pointed to 2027, have now been revised to 2028, and some analyzes even mention 2030.
Companies hesitate to expand production
There is also an additional factor that could prolong the crisis: manufacturers' fear of repeating past mistakes. In previous crises, the accelerated expansion of industrial parks resulted in losses when demand cooled.
This time, many companies may choose not to increase production in the same proportion, which could extend the period of scarcity. Ponte also warned that the chip architecture currently used by AI could change, making demand potentially temporary - but with no guarantees.
What consumers can do
Given this scenario, Ponte recommended caution when purchasing new devices.
Previous generation models, such as 10th or 11th generation Intel processors, continue to work perfectly well and can be found at more affordable prices.
"Computers that are not top of the line continue to work well from one year to the next. There is no need for you to buy the best", he said.
For those who are considering changing their cell phone or computer, the advice is to assess whether the update is really necessary. "It's the worst year for this", concluded Ponte.
AI race causes global shortage of memory for electronics
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Source: CNN