Rising RAM Prices in 2026: Why Now Is the Time to Upgrade

In 2026, global memory prices, particularly for laptop RAM modules such as DDR4 and DDR5 SODIMM, have been steadily increasing due to supply chain constraints, rising raw material costs, and sustained demand from both consumers and enterprise customers. 

RAM price increases are affecting pricing across all capacities and speeds, from entry-level 8GB modules to high-capacity 32GB kits. This means many users are paying more for the same performance compared to previous years.

As a result, upgrading your laptop’s memory has become a more strategic investment than a simple hardware tweak. Waiting too long could mean paying even more later, especially as higher-speed DDR5 modules remain in tight supply. Whether you’re upgrading an older laptop for better multitasking or equipping a new machine for gaming and creative work, making the right choice now can save you money and extend the life of your system.

To help you navigate these price increases and find the best value RAM upgrades for your needs, we’ve curated a list of top SODIMM memory covering DDR4 and DDR5 options, different capacities, and performance levels—so you can easily find the right upgrade for your laptop.

 

Best 8GB Laptop RAMs for Everyday Use and Entry-Level Upgrades

G.Skill Ripjaws 8GB PC2666 DDR4 The G.Skill Ripjaws 8GB PC2666 DDR4 is an excellent upgrade for entry-level laptops that need smoother everyday performance. It improves system responsiveness, speeds up application loading, and allows for light multitasking without slowdowns. This RAM is ideal for students and office users seeking a reliable, affordable way to enhance laptop performance.

 

Transcend 8GB DDR5 PC5600The Transcend 8GB DDR5 PC5600 delivers next-generation performance for laptops that support DDR5 memory. With higher bandwidth and better power efficiency, it ensures faster data processing and improved multitasking compared to DDR4. This upgrade helps modern laptops run cooler, faster, and more efficiently for daily productivity tasks.

 

ADATA 8GB DDR5 PC4800The ADATA 8GB DDR5 4800MHz SO-DIMM is a solid entry-level DDR5 upgrade for laptops that support next-generation memory technology. It delivers improved bandwidth and power efficiency compared to DDR4, allowing laptops to boot faster and handle everyday multitasking more smoothly. This RAM is ideal for students and professionals who want better performance and longer battery life without jumping to higher-capacity modules.

 

ADATA 8GB DDR5 PC5600The ADATA 8GB DDR5 5600MHz SO-DIMM offers higher speed and responsiveness for modern laptops that require faster memory performance. Increased bandwidth improves application load times and enhances multitasking efficiency. This upgrade is perfect for users who want a noticeable speed boost in productivity, browsing, and light creative workloads.

 

PNY 8GB PC3200The PNY 8GB PC3200 is a dependable memory upgrade designed for laptops that can take advantage of higher DDR4 speeds. It enhances overall system speed, improves multitasking capability, and reduces lag during everyday use. This RAM is a smart choice for home users and casual gamers looking for stable and cost-effective performance gains.

Best 16GB Laptop RAMs for Multitasking, Gaming, and Productivity

Adata 16 GB DDR5 5600 SO-DIMM A 16GB DDR5 PC5600 RAM upgrade is the sweet spot for modern laptops, and ADATA delivers exactly that. This module is ideal for heavy multitasking, creative software, and gaming, allowing multiple applications to run smoothly at once. It’s a future-ready choice for professionals who need consistent performance.

 

ADATA 16GB DDR5 4800MHz SO-DIMMThe ADATA 16GB DDR5 4800MHz SO-DIMM provides a balanced combination of speed, capacity, and efficiency for modern laptops. Its DDR5 architecture allows smoother multitasking, faster data handling, and improved power management compared to older memory standards. This RAM is ideal for professionals and students who regularly run multiple applications and want reliable, future-ready performance.

 

Team Group Elite 16GB DDR5 5600 SODIMM

Designed for performance-focused users, this 16GB DDR5 RAM improves system stability during demanding workloads such as video editing, gaming, and large spreadsheet processing. It offers excellent value for users who want higher memory capacity without stepping into premium pricing.

 

G-Skill 16GB PC2666The G-Skill 16GB PC2666 is ideal for users who frequently multitask or use productivity and creative applications. With increased capacity, laptops can run multiple programs simultaneously without slowing down. This upgrade helps extend the lifespan of laptops by providing smoother performance for work, study, and entertainment.

 

Best High Capacity Laptop RAMS for Power Users

ADATA 32GB PC3200The ADATA 32GB DDR4 3200MHz SO-DIMM is designed for power users who need high memory capacity for demanding tasks. With fast DDR4 speeds and large capacity, it enables smooth performance for video editing, 3D rendering, and heavy multitasking. This upgrade helps eliminate system slowdowns and maximizes laptop productivity under intensive workloads.

 

ADATA 32GB PC4800The ADATA 32GB DDR5 4800MHz SO-DIMM is a high-performance memory solution for advanced users and professionals. Offering massive capacity combined with DDR5 efficiency, it supports complex workloads, virtual machines, and professional-grade applications with ease. This RAM upgrade future-proofs laptops by delivering consistent speed, stability, and improved power efficiency for long-term use.

 

G-Skill 32GB PC3200The G-Skill 32GB PC3200 is built for power users who run heavy applications such as video editing, 3D rendering, and virtual machines. With high capacity and faster DDR4 speeds, it significantly reduces lag and system bottlenecks. This RAM upgrade ensures laptops can handle intensive workloads with ease and stability.

 

Transcend JM5600ASE 32GB PC5600The Transcend JM5600ASE 32GB PC5600 delivers top-tier performance for high-end laptops and professional users. Its large capacity and ultra-fast DDR5 speeds support extreme multitasking and demanding software environments. This upgrade maximizes laptop efficiency, improves workflow productivity, and future-proofs systems for years to come.

Upgrading your laptop’s RAM is one of the most cost-effective ways to boost performance, improve multitasking, and extend the lifespan of your device. Whether you’re using your laptop for work, gaming, content creation, or everyday tasks, choosing the right SODIMM memory module can make a noticeable difference.

At GigaHertz, we offer a wide selection of authentic SODIMM RAM upgrades from trusted brands like ADATA, G-Skill, TeamGroup, and TRANSCEND. Whether you’re upgrading for work, gaming, or productivity, our experts can help you choose the right memory for your laptop.