ImportantHardware
The RAM shortage could get even worse if Samsung labor protests cut production
Samsung's potential 18-day strike beginning May 21st threatens to worsen the already critical global RAM shortage driven by AI datacenter demand, potentially causing significant price increases across enterprise and consumer hardware for years. This supply disruption directly impacts IT organizations' infrastructure costs and procurement timelines, as Samsung controls the largest share of DRAM and NAND memory production, with the shortage already predicted to extend through 2030. CIOs must prepare for accelerated hardware obsolescence costs, delayed device deployments, and elevated IT spending as memory-dependent components become increasingly scarce and expensive.
The Verge2 min read
Samsung employees in South Korea are protesting for more competitive wages. | Photo: Seong Joon Cho / Bloomberg via Getty Images The RAM shortage caused by demand from AI datacenters is already driving up prices on phones, PS5s, and Raspberry Pis, but it could be about to get even worse. Samsung is facing employee protests over demands for wages that are more competitive with rival chip manufacturer SK Hynix, including removing Samsung's cap on bonus pay, allocating more money for bonuses, and raising base salaries. According to AP News, an estimated 40,000 union members attended a rally on Thursday outside Samsung's Pyeongtaek, South Korea chip manufacturing facility. If the union and management can't come to an agreement, the union is planning an 18-day strike begi … Read the full story at The Verge.