RAM scalping takes hold on eBay, some DDR5 selling for more than $2,000 — price-gouged kits fetch 7x their original value, adding almost double the markup on already inflated prices

Due to a global memory shortage, RAM scalping has surged on platforms like eBay, with some DDR5 kits selling for over $2,000, fetching up to 7 times their original value. The shortage is driven by increased demand for server memory due to the AI boom, leading major companies like Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron to prioritize server memory production over consumer memory. This shift has caused significant price increases across all memory capacities, impacting individual kits, prebuilt systems, and gaming consoles. The inflated prices have also affected custom PC manufacturers and OEMs, with some raising prices while others, like Lenovo, maintain pricing due to sufficient inventory.