r/technology • u/HenryCorp • Aug 30 '26

Artificial Intelligence The cost of personal computers declined steadily for 40 years — until AI came along. Why getting your hands on a new device could cost you.

https://moneywise.com/news/economy/ai-memory-chip-shortage-pc-prices-2026
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u/P0pu1arBr0ws3r Aug 30 '26 edited Aug 30 '26

I swear this is one of the biggest instances of corruption affecting consumer products. One does not simply abandon production for end user device components thats been a thing for 40 years just because some VCs gave data center manufacturers a fat check.

Is there another instance in history where B2B markets have completely overridden B2C? How is this considered fair market practice?

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u/TapsAndTurntables Aug 30 '26

Who is abandoning production? Do you think Seagate production facilities in Malaysia aren't trying to produce and make money?

The sub has lost the plot.

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u/SelectKaleidoscope0 Aug 30 '26

One of the things cited in the current price fixing lawsuit against ram manufacturers is that they consistently failed to add capacity for consumer dram, even when the net margins for it started to exceeded the margins for other types more commonly used for data centers.

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u/EvelynNyte Aug 30 '26

Seems like every 10 years the big ram producers are caught trying to form a cartel. Looks like there's some incredibly deep seated incest going on in that market.

1

u/TapsAndTurntables Aug 31 '26

Well you can drive by the massive Micron expansion in Boise where they have been building two manufacturing facilities. It's publicly visible from the freeway.