AI is driving up memory demand. What does that mean for your 2027 IT refresh?

Artificial intelligence isn't just changing the software businesses use. It's also changing the hardware market behind it.

AI infrastructure requires huge amounts of memory and storage, and the rapid expansion of AI data centres is increasing demand for technologies including DRAM, high-bandwidth memory and enterprise SSDs.

For businesses planning their next laptop, desktop or storage refresh, that's worth paying attention to, particularly as budget planning for 2027 gets underway.

Why is AI affecting memory?

Memory manufacturers have a finite amount of production capacity. As demand from AI infrastructure has increased, more capacity and investment is being directed towards high-performance memory and enterprise storage.

TrendForce reported in 2026 that suppliers have been reallocating DRAM capacity towards HBM and server applications, while NAND capacity has increasingly been directed towards enterprise SSDs. This has contributed to tighter supply and higher contract prices across parts of the memory market.

How that plays out for individual products and prices will vary. What's clear is that the underlying market conditions have shifted.

The components used throughout the technology industry are operating in a very different market than they were before the AI boom. With significant new fabrication capacity taking time to come online, current market conditions could continue to influence procurement planning into 2027.

Samsung is leading the investment

As one of the world's largest memory manufacturers, Samsung is investing heavily to meet the changing demand.

In July 2026, Samsung began mass production of its new PM1763 enterprise SSD, designed for next-generation AI infrastructure. In August 2026, the company also unveiled its next-generation V10 BV-NAND technology at the Future of Memory and Storage conference, as demand grows for higher-capacity, higher-performance storage.

These are enterprise and AI-infrastructure technologies rather than products aimed at everyday business computing. But they demonstrate the scale of investment taking place across the memory industry to meet AI demand, and the wider shift that's having knock-on effects on supply and pricing across the market.

What does it mean for IT buyers?

The takeaway isn't that businesses need to rush out and stockpile SSDs. It's that planning matters, not just for this refresh cycle but for the next.

If you're expecting to refresh laptops or desktops, upgrade existing machines or increase storage capacity over the coming months, understanding requirements and availability earlier can help you make better procurement decisions, both now and heading into 2027.

At DCB Group, we supply a wide range of memory and storage upgrades, including Samsung SSD options such as the 870 EVO, for organisations looking to upgrade compatible business PCs and laptops.

With the memory market continuing to evolve, having a clear picture of what your organisation will need over the next 12 to 24 months is increasingly valuable.

Plan ahead, rather than react

AI's impact on business technology goes much further than the applications employees use. It's influencing demand right across the hardware supply chain.

For IT buyers, that makes forward planning more important than ever.

If you're considering a device refresh, storage upgrade or wider IT procurement project, DCB Group can help you assess your requirements and identify the right solution for your organisation.

Speak to our team today dcbgroup.com Email: sales@dcbgroup.com Dublin: +353 (0)1 276 9000  |  Cork: +353 (0)21 452 4499