2003-era DDR2 memory prices jump up to 60% — AI-driven DRAM shortage reaches the oldest standard still in production

The AI memory crisis just hit DDR2, a standard from 2003, with 60% price hikes

DDR2 prices surged 55-60% in Q2 2026 as wafer capacity shifts to HBM for AI data centers, forcing manufacturers to downgrade to 2003-era memory. This shortage threatens 10-20% price hikes for consumer electronics through 2026, with relief delayed to 2027-2028.