Altman defends RAM comments amid memory shortage
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman defended remarks that personal computers should not hold scarce DRAM, saying users can add as much memory as they want. Makers warn that AI driven shortages may last until 2027 and beyond.
IllustrationThe story so far
On October 31, 2026, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said on the Cheeky Pint podcast that it is quite terrible for personal computers to hold limited DRAM during a supply constrained market. He argued that cloud data centers should get maximum utilization, though he was referring to local inference while consumers use RAM for gaming, streaming and video editing. OpenAI has tied up roughly 40 percent of world RAM output, and analysts expect shortages to keep prices high for years.
On November 2, 2026, Elon Musk mocked Altman by sharing a meme on X that referenced a German WWII officer hunting people hiding sticks of DRAM. The comments came as memory prices rose and makers warned that AI driven shortages may last until 2027 and beyond.
On November 4, Altman defended his comments, changed his X name to Ram Altman, and said he wants people to put as much memory as they want in their computers. He said the DRAM in personal computers is used five percent of the time. Intel expects the shortage to last through at least next year, and SK Hynix predicts until 2030.
Latest updates
3 updates · newest first- 4 NovNew development
Sam Altman defends RAM comments as AI data centers drive shortages
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman defended his RAM comments, changing his X name to Ram Altman and saying he wants people to put as much memory as they want in their computers. He had said on the Cheeky Pint podcast that it is terrible for users to hold limited DRAM that is used five percent of the time. AI data centers are driving RAM shortages and price hikes. Intel expects it to last through at least next year, and SK Hynix predicts until 2030.
The Verge ↗
- 2 NovNew development
Musk mocks Altman's claim that home RAM is terrible
Elon Musk mocked OpenAI CEO Sam Altman after Altman said it is quite terrible for home computers to hold DRAM during a global supply crunch. Altman argued limited DRAM would be better used in AI data centers for maximum utilization. Musk shared a meme on X referencing a German WWII officer hunting people hiding sticks of DRAM. The comments come as memory prices rise and makers warn AI driven shortages may last until 2027 and beyond.
Tom's Hardware ↗
- 31 OctNew development
Altman says local PC RAM use is quite terrible amid DRAM shortage
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said on the Cheeky Pint podcast that it is quite terrible to keep limited DRAM in personal computers, arguing cloud data centers should get maximum utilization in a supply constrained market. He was referring to local inference, though consumers use RAM for gaming, streaming and video editing. OpenAI has tied up roughly 40 percent of world RAM output, and analysts expect shortages to keep prices high for years.
Engadget ↗
TechRadar ↗