(Image credit: Future)
AI is transforming the way we work and live but it's reshaping the tech market too, and not always in ways that benefit everyday consumers. Case in point: a surge in memory demand has triggered what's being called RAMageddon.In the race to get their hands on more memory, AI companies have created a consumer shortage that's hit everything we love — from games consoles and phones to tablets and PCs. With no relief expected until 2028 at the earliest, buying a computer now means thinking carefully about what you actually need, because cutting-edge comes at a cost.Thankfully, there are ways to get solid tech for less, whether you're buying from a vendor or building your own, without necessarily compromising on power.
1. Buy existing PC stock
It’s still possible to buy high performing pre-built PCs (as opposed to custom builds) that were put together before the price of RAM soared to bank-busting heights. In fact, this route is considered to be the most cost effective way to beat RAMageddon, allowing you to pick up powerful systems such as the best gaming PCs at pre-crisis prices. It’s certainly cheaper than purchasing your own components individually.You will need to be quick, however. There’s only a finite number of these systems stacked up in various warehouses and when stocks are exhausted, new machines are going to be created using higher-priced RAM purchased on the open market. There’s no knowing how much you’ll end up paying at that point so identify the kind of machine you need and see if you can find a bargain today.
