Sam Altman says your PC's RAM shouldn't exist
OpenAI's CEO called it "terrible" for consumers to hold the world's limited RAM when datacenters need it for AI models.
Sam Altman said in a recent interview that it's wasteful for people to keep RAM in their personal computers. Sam Altman argues that with memory in short supply because of AI demand, every chip should go to datacenters where it gets maximum use, not sit in a gaming rig being used maybe 5% of the time.
While the logic suits OpenAI's interests, Altman's comments highlight a real shortage: gamers have watched hardware prices spike as chip makers funnel supply toward AI companies. Used PS5 Pro consoles jumped to $1,399 this year, and Nvidia's high-end graphics cards have faced shortages.
Memory costs show no sign of dropping. Samsung's latest earnings report suggests RAM scarcity will persist into 2027.
- $1,399
- PS5 Pro used price
- 5% of the time
- RAM usage in consumer devices
- through 2027
- RAM scarcity forecast
- Sam Altman
- CEO
Why it mattersThe comment reveals how AI industry demand directly competes with consumer hardware availability, keeping PC and gaming gear expensive.
AustraliaAustralian gamers and PC builders face ongoing shortages and high prices for RAM and graphics cards as AI companies absorb global supply.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
