Framework Hikes Modular Memory Prices by Up to 88% as Global AI Demand Squeezes DRAM Supply

Modular computer manufacturer Framework has implemented massive price increases on memory modules for its upcoming Laptop 13 Pro, nearly doubling the cost of high-capacity options following unprecedented price hikes from its DRAM suppliers.

The price adjustments primarily impact the laptop's newly introduced LPCAMM2 memory options, a next-generation standard designed to deliver fast, repairable, and power-efficient LPDDR5X memory. Framework's 64GB LPCAMM2 module experienced the steepest increase, jumping 88% from $849 to $1,600. The 32GB module rose 82%, climbing from $439 to $800. While the entry-level 16GB configuration remains priced at $239 for now, the company confirmed that its price will also rise once current inventory is exhausted.

Framework Chief Executive Officer Nirav Patel stated that while the company had anticipated routine low-to-mid double-digit percentage price increases between the second and third quarters, the actual quote from suppliers was more than double the previous shipment cost. Patel explained that absorbing the price differential internally would pose severe financial risk to the company's operations.

The sudden market shift has forced Framework to adjust fulfillment plans for customers with existing preorders. While total inventory is sufficient to fulfill pending orders, the proportion of capacity tiers has been disrupted. DIY Edition and mainboard preorders through Batch 4 and Batch 7 respectively will still receive their chosen 64GB configurations. However, later 64GB orders are being automatically converted to 32GB modules at the original 32GB pricing, while subsequent 32GB orders are being adjusted down to 16GB at earlier rate tiers. Prebuilt models equipped with 32GB capacity remain unaffected due to configuration constraints with the Intel Core Ultra X7 chip. Customers impacted by the fulfillment changes have been offered full deposit refunds.

In addition to individual memory components, base prices for complete systems have risen. The prebuilt Laptop 13 Pro now starts at $1,599—a $100 increase over its launch price—for an entry specification featuring an Intel Core Ultra 5 325 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB solid-state drive. Framework noted that broader supply chain inflation affecting Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, storage media, system logic, and Windows licenses also contributed to the updated baseline pricing. The memory adjustments specifically target Intel-based configurations utilizing LPCAMM2, whereas models powered by AMD Ryzen AI 300 processors rely on conventional SO-DIMMs.

The price shock reflects wider volatility across the semiconductor industry, driven largely by cloud infrastructure providers and tech conglomerates redirecting vast quantities of global DRAM production toward artificial intelligence hardware. Industry forecasts indicate overall memory prices could climb an additional 40% to 50% in the current quarter alone, with memory manufacturer Adata warning that elevated pricing and DRAM supply constraints could persist for an extended period.