How AI data centers are making everything more expensive

The rapid growth of AI data centers is creating a shortage of the memory chips used in everyday devices like laptops, phones, cameras, and gaming consoles.

The world’s three largest memory chipmakers — SK Hynix, Samsung, and Micron — are shifting production to High Bandwidth Memory, specialized microchips that power AI data centers, rather than the DRAM and NAND chips found in many consumer electronics.

With fewer traditional chips being produced, tech manufacturers are paying more for components and passing the costs to customers through higher prices.