Storage manufacturers are reporting a global memory and storage supply shortage as we approach 2026. DRAM (dynamic random-access memory) and NAND (flash memory) prices are rising significantly, and suppliers are signaling additional allocation constraints driven by data center, hyperscaler, and AI server build demands. This is an industry-wide issue and is expected to cause extended lead times in the new year.
We’re seeing accelerated pricing pressure on memory and SSD components across the industry, led by strong AI server and cloud storage demand, as well as suppliers shifting capacity toward higher-margin server memory and storage segments. Major vendors in the US, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and China are implementing price increases, and industry commentary indicates that 2026 capacity is already sold out across manufacturers. Increasing memory requirements in PCs and smartphones are further driving global DRAM and NAND consumption.
To prepare for continued volatility in pricing and lead times, we recommend securing any upcoming storage quotes as early as possible. We will continue to provide updates on current availability and timelines. CineSys is working closely with manufacturers and receiving constant updates as the situation evolves.
Pricing and availability as of today:
- HDDs (nearline/32TB+): Lead times have increased sharply (up to 12 months in extreme cases) amid AI-driven demand. Multiple vendors have announced immediate price increases and noted longer ocean freight cycles.
- SSD/NAND: Structural tightness persists into 2026. NAND suppliers report being sold out of 2026 allocations, and contract prices are widely anticipated to rise by double digits. Enterprise SSD demand is accelerating due to HDD shortages, pushing NAND suppliers to prioritize eSSD and QLC production.
- DRAM: Suppliers have implemented broad price increases. DDR4 is scheduled to be phased out by late 2025 to early 2026. Most industry trackers expect continued DRAM price strength into 2026, driven by capacity shift toward DDR5 and HBM.
- Intel CPUs: Regional operations have flagged supply challenges for certain 16th gen Xeon SKUs (Sapphire Rapids), with extended lead times. Transitions to 17th gen alternatives are recommended through at least February–April 2026.