Micron Technology, Samsung Electronics, and SK Hynix face a class-action lawsuit alleging they manipulated memory prices through collusion and artificial scarcity. The suit claims these DRAM manufacturers orchestrated a near 700% price surge for consumer DDR5 PC memory in one year by prioritizing high-bandwidth memory (HBM) production for AI compute GPUs and locking production capacity until 2030. This strategy, critics argue, has left consumers with scarce and unaffordable memory options.

The lawsuit highlights how the trio’s actions have ripple effects across the tech industry. For example, Apple recently raised prices across its product lineup, citing skyrocketing memory costs. The companies are accused of coordinating pricing strategies and booking orders years in advance, a tactic reminiscent of their 2000 DOJ fine for similar cartel behavior. By reserving manufacturing slots for HBM—used in AI hardware—the lawsuit claims they artificially inflated prices while neglecting consumer-grade memory demand.

If proven, this collusion could set a precedent for how tech giants manage supply chains. The lawsuit demands these firms restore consumer DRAM production and transparency. With HBM orders stretching to 2030, the case underscores a broader tension between AI-driven demand and affordable computing needs. Consumers face higher costs for devices from laptops to smartphones, while smaller manufacturers may struggle to compete without stable memory prices.