CPU-Z survey shows PC RAM configurations decline as memory prices rise

CPU-Z's latest hardware survey found that higher-capacity PC memory configurations declined year over year for the first time, with 32GB systems down 2.5% and 64GB systems down 18%. The survey attributes the shift to soaring memory prices, driven by AI demand absorbing global DRAM supply. Lower-capacity options and DDR4 configurations gained share as buyers sought more affordable builds.

CPU-Z is a free utility that reports the hardware inside a system, and its survey only counts machines where the tool is installed and running. The figures are not monthly retail sales data and should not be read as sales figures in any sense; they describe the makeup of CPU-Z's active user base.

Memory capacity trends

32GB remains the largest share at 37.2%, followed by 16GB at 33%. 8GB systems account for 11%, while 64GB and 24GB remain minorities at 7.3% and 2.3%. 16GB rebounded 12.9%, 8GB grew 5.5%, and 24GB rose 19.7%.

Price pressure and AI demand

High-capacity memory has become a luxury in modern PC builds, as the AI rush continues to consume global DRAM supply. Prices for DDR4 and DDR5 options have risen sharply, pushing buyers toward lower capacities. As price per gigabyte rises, 24GB kits have become a compromise for users needing more than 16GB without paying for premium 32GB kits.

DDR4 comeback

DDR4 remains dominant at 54.5% of systems, while DDR5 stands at 32.9%. DDR4 grew 6% and DDR5 declined 2.9%, suggesting budget-conscious consumers are staying with platforms that still use DDR4. CPU-Z charts show increases for Zen 3 chips including Ryzen 7 5700X, Ryzen 5 5600, and Ryzen 5 5500.

Industry support

Companies are also supporting older platforms, such as AMD rereleasing the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, vendors restarting DDR4 and DDR4 motherboard production, and Intel preparing rewarmed Raptor Lake Next chips for 2027.

Sources: Tom's Hardware