I was sent this.

While there certainly appears to be some logic to it, at this point it may be fear-mongering which I dislike if so.
"Many consumer manufacturers of electronics will go bankrupt" is not the greatest thing anyone wants to read.
There are other Links to interviews within the article to YouTube and others, to attempt to validate the advance warnings, but as I mentioned, I am not sure exactly how far this may go or whether it is fear-inducing intent or not. so far each almost validates the article. I suppose we all just have to watch, wait and see. Apparently, Micron has already begun ceasing to sell to consumers. We can all research, so probably best to leave each of you to make up your own minds.

I know I am being cynical, but honestly, if it was in a reputed electronics journal or every media outlet, I would be more inclined to believe it if each report was not dissimilar. Part of me almost thinks if human beings are truly stupid enough to allow this to happen, then maybe they deserve it.

https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/me...-ai-memory-crisis-phison-ceo-reportedly-says/

 

The Greek aphorism panta rhei literally means "everything flows" and describes the fact that everything is in constant motion. The world is therefore not static; everything is in a state of becoming. Things, beings, and states arise and pass away continuously.

When a company goes bankrupt, the next company still operating in the market takes over its business.

For example, Mercedes-Benz, a German car company, is experiencing rapid sales declines because people are no longer buying all of its models, but have opted for other brands. This naturally leads to a reaction at Mercedes: What do people want? Market analyses and ideas for new cars are being developed so that they can sell more cars in the future. If it doesn't work, Mercedes will have to close some plants and lay off employees.

As a consumer, you only have two options: to buy or not to buy. As an entrepreneur, you have the opportunity to invent something, produce it, and offer it on the market. If the customer believes it has added value and has the necessary funds, they will buy the product.

In short, those who don't adapt go bankrupt, and those whose products aren't in sufficient demand also go bankrupt.
As you can see, it's a constant ebb and flow; the old disappears and the new emerges.

 

Excellent channel deep diving each week into the actual business, data and real facts around Big AI. Its paints a very interesting picture. The shortage is a real thing BUT the giant data centre projects aren't going to plan, big AI isn't making any money, won't for a long time and investment is finally starting to lose confidence.

So to be optimistic YES the scum bag chip manufacturers have all ran towards AI over the last year, but they might well run back towards consumer products when the deals fall to bits. Hopefully once factory lines are back online the shortages will be over.

https://www.youtube.com/@BetterOfflinePod

 

goverment funding that hyperinflated AI nonsense from overtaxed citizens is the culprit

 

I hope I managed to indicate that from my side, I felt that observation for a little while might be the best idea. People tend to learn more when they observe. That said being pro-active always beats reactive, but unless the exact single source needed to be pro-active about is known and can be dealt to, where it can cease something potentially bad, that observation is possibly the only choice.

 

Common Sense

One could also assume the worst-case scenario, following the motto: "Expect the worst and hope for the best."

We don't know how things will develop in the future—wars, trade wars, tariff wars, sanctions wars, economic and financial crises, natural disasters, etc.—therefore, one should stock up on things that one currently needs or will need in the future and build up a reserve.

 

The real problem which nobody is really talking about is on our shoulders. That sounds worse than it is, like there is some kind of blame on us. Not at all.
The problem in simplest terms is we are almost helpless to do anything about it other than observe, or post on social media for as little as that seems to do, or try and tell them not to mess with people's lives. This means unless someone with a degree of power to stop it from going past a certain point, does something about it, we pretty much can only observe and hope a degree of common sense comes into play.

 

Of course, those who do nothing and ignore everything that "the bad guys" do are always complicit. It's the ignorance of some people. On the other hand, history has shown that when people unite and form a self-help group or citizens' movement and raise awareness, they have often been able to persuade lawmakers to create different, better laws.

We sometimes have little influence on what happens here, but the pendulum eventually swings the other way, and the lies and untruths come back to haunt their perpetrators like a boomerang. Good ultimately prevails. It's a battle between good and evil.
Another thing you can do is educate others and not buy their products. It's good that you've pointed out this problem, so at least we know what's going on.

There are three groups of people: The first group takes action. The second group observes what the first group does, and the third group has no idea what's happening.These are just my views; certainly, other thinking people have different opinions, but I hope we all continue to work towards a better, more just world.

 

This hype around AI is creating a real shortage of RAM (DRAM) and NAND, prioritized for data centers, as warned by CEOs such as Pua Khein-Seng (Phison) and Sanjay Mehrotra (Micron).

In practical terms: there is no verified causal data in this context regarding specific bankruptcies of consumer electronics manufacturers up to the end of 2026 (though note that such revelations would be rare and premature!). What exists are forecasts based on AI demand trends, with shortages projected beyond 2026, price increases already in effect, and the memory market estimated at $100 billion by 2028.

Most Likely Impacts:
In other words, the realistic scenario points to continuous price hikes (20–50% increases in SSDs, PCs, and smartphones) and reduced consumer production/quality, such as laptops with soldered 4–8GB RAM and no viable upgrades, and gaming PCs becoming extremely expensive.

Other questions that emerge are:
→ Will market adaptation occur, and if so, could it mitigate this extreme scenario?
→ Will new players or production lines emerge (e.g., Samsung after AI contracts)?
→ Will we start using alternatives such as optimized LPDDR5 memory?
→ What about recycled chips to ease the pressure (would you pay more for a repasteurization)?
→ Could the AI hype eventually fade (if investments drop, which overall seems unlikely!)?
→ If that happens, balance could be restored, perhaps within 1–2 years. But even then (uncertain), would it be enough to prevent mass bankruptcies?

Final Reflection for each of us:
When scenarios like this used to be dismissed as "This is pure conspiracy theory, neurosis, panic attack", the common response was to trust leaders and general common sense. Today, with consistent reports, it is worth observing and preparing pragmatically (stockpiling essential components) and always remain skeptical of your pet politicians, your pet tech idols like Musk, your pet big techs, and your pet startups!

 

Last edited: Feb 18, 2026 at 2:48 PM

They want to monetise AI way too much, but that's not going to fly, at least with regular users. That's the bubble people are talking about. However, AI is absolutely here to stay and be very useful, mostly for various companies who'd like to automate the production of their goods. AI is very good at automating things. A lot of paper tossers will lose their job, as well as workers whose work doesn't demand a lot of brains, which is an absolute saviour for many people if they think about it. The only problem we're facing is - those people need to be able to live normally. I wonder what these money grabbing greedy bastards who live in their luxurious bubbles will do about it. I presume - nothing. That's the problem.

→ Will we start using alternatives such as optimized LPDDR5 memory?
Powerful MiniPCs (GMKtec, Geekom, Minisforum... Dell, Gigabyte, ASUS...) with LPDDR5 RAM are a thing, just not really for workstation computers.

→ What about recycled chips to ease the pressure (would you pay more for a repasteurization)?
People are buying more second hand and older PC parts already that use DDR4. These are not bad computers, nor slow, just a few years old. It's not the end of the (PC) world. A little problem is that prices of DDR4 have also risen... not as much, but they have risen "nicely" as DDR4 production has almost stopped. SSD-NAND memory prices have risen, too, badly.

 

Last edited: Feb 18, 2026 at 3:02 PM

I believe there is a fourth group, the one that observes and then takes action. Much like a Crocodile does, or like The Art of War. I was raised with one and lived in an environment where Crocodiles were around us. Humans can learn a lot from animals. Taking action without observation in the wrong hands can be a recipe for disaster.

Logical as always

 

Last edited: Feb 18, 2026 at 3:01 PM

And what will the greedy ones who live in their luxury bubbles do?

Absolutely nothing! 'cos there is an international network that shields pet politicians, pet tycoons, pet big techs, and pet startups, sustained by co-optation, flattery, and collective farce.
It’s the same mechanism (intelligence networks that promote geopolitical domination through populist and charismatic politicians and, more recently, major tech companies and specialized startups) that relies on figures like Epstein and his pathology: lavish parties, mansions, and access offered as currency, but always under the shadow of blackmail. A network that guarantees silence and obedience.
The problem is not a lack of technical capacity. The problem is that theater matters more than reality (panem et circenses!). And while they perform, we foot the bill!

 

Last edited: Feb 18, 2026 at 3:14 PM

Really solid post.
I am trying to keep the thread to technology and none of us can really discuss why the prices are hiking.
Recycling anything has always been good as long as it works

 

As for my posts, let it be clear: they are a critique of elites and the prevailing power structures. I am simply, and directly, ‘naming names’ behind the price inflation and RAM (DRAM) shortages, without citing or aligning with any political current.

If I’ve hurt someone’s sensibilities by "naming names" I apologize. But that’s the reality: harsh, often terrible, and usually swept under the rug to avoid uncomfortable discussions. Yet when we ask why things are happening, and worse, why they are directly affecting us, we must rise above simplistic explanations and start thinking like adults.

The problem is not technical capacity. The problem is that theater matters more than reality (panem et circenses!). And while they perform, we foot the bill.

 

Last edited: Feb 18, 2026 at 3:36 PM

I'm already seeing 472% RAM price jump, 142% SSD price jump, and now recently 44% HDD price jump and it doesn't seem to get any better until 2028/2029

 

OK - I apologise to anyone who may think this is a political thread because it is not. Please do not go there.
I think if Musk is mentioned with Technology this is fine, outside of that perhaps not. It is like mentioning Gates with Microsoft, or Daniel Ek with Spotify - non-political. This is more about the potential of companies moving to A.I and the potential risk to a lot of people's jobs.
It is just that, potential nothing more.

I honestly did not see your post so I do not know who you mentioned or in what context? - definitely do not repeat it whatever you said.
I am sure you meant no harm but there is a forum rule of zero politics. If you feel whatever you said was read out of context then definitely message a moderator and explain what you meant.

 

it's already a thing - see new Lenovo LOQ Tower - it's a desktop PC with desktop graphics card (5070Ti/5060Ti), based on mobile Ryzen 7 8745HX and 32GB LPDDR5 RAM, only problem is motherboard lackluster connectivity (only USB 2.0 and 1Gbe LAN in the back)

 

Boom and recession. They simply take the prices they can get; when everything else rises, they raise them too. Sometimes antitrust law comes into play, resulting in hefty fines for companies engaging in illegal price-fixing. Once the AI infrastructure is in place and the race between America and China stabilizes, the market will likely calm down, and production will probably increase worldwide through the construction of new chip factories.

The ten American tech giants, combined with Wall Street's money, are very powerful, because money rules the world. Democracy was invented in ancient Rome to counter the excesses of power and violence; it was intended to provide a safeguard against violence against the people. It's a constant struggle, and if you're lucky, the government will pass the right laws, prosecute offenders, and listen to the people. In Bolivia, drinking water was privatized—then 200,000 people took to the streets, the first buildings burned down, and then the government repealed the law.

 

@Mynock I do not know if you did it on purpose or by accident. Your Latin reference to superficial appeasement was also a Double Entendre.
Suzanne Collins' novels on 'The Hunger Games', Panem was also not dissimilar and I will leave it there because any farther than stating the double entendre becomes something else.