Gamers are Giving Up RAM but Not SSDs: For Lexar, 512 GB in 2026 is Already Insufficient

The global shortage of flash memory, fueled by the increasing demand linked to artificial intelligence, is redefining the purchasing habits of PC users.

According to an interview with representatives from Lexar, gamers are adapting to the ever-increasing prices but with clear priorities. In recent months, the limited availability of components such as DRAM and SSDs has made it more difficult to assemble or upgrade a computer. Many users have chosen to delay purchases or opt for less powerful configurations. However, not all compromises are accepted equally.

Lexar has tried to respond to the crisis by producing components with reduced capacity, such as smaller RAM kits, memory cards, and 256 GB and 512 GB SSDs. While the demand for RAM and microSD has remained in line with expectations, the situation has been very different for SSDs: models under 1 TB have recorded much lower sales than expected.

Additional Insights from Lexar Executives

According to Grace Su, General Manager of Lexar Europe, end users simply "do not buy" SSDs of these sizes. Even with high prices, many prefer to wait or continue using hardware they already own. Some, surprisingly, even consider a return to traditional hard drives to avoid purchasing a 512 GB SSD. This resistance is linked to both practical and psychological motivations. On one hand, modern games take up more space: titles like Call of Duty: Warzone can quickly fill a 512 GB drive. On the other, the threshold of 1TB is perceived as the minimum acceptable standard in 2026. Conversely, RAM seems to be more easily sacrificed. Despite its direct impact on performance, some users accept reduced configurations to keep costs down.

In the professional and B2B sector, however, flexibility is greater. PC manufacturers are willing to use 512 GB SSDs to meet certain budgets, counting on the fact that the user can easily upgrade storage later. Regarding technologies, PCIe 4.0 SSDs remain the most common choice, while the more recent PCIe 5.0 still seem too expensive for most users.