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Framework announced a 50% increase to DDR5 memory options on new Framework Laptop DIY Edition orders in December 2025, citing higher supplier and distributor costs. The company also accused Apple and Dell of using high memory prices to gouge customers. That accusation is Framework’s characterization—not an established finding—and the original increase is only one stage in a pricing story that Framework continued updating through September 29, 2026.
What Framework’s 50% increase applied to
The original increase applied to DDR5 memory options selected with a Framework Laptop DIY Edition order. Framework attributed it to substantially higher supplier and distributor costs amid a volatile memory market. Contemporary reporting by Tom’s Hardware dated the announcement to December 2025; Framework’s official post presents the original announcement without a date under its “Original blog post” heading.
Framework initially said the change would not affect existing pre-orders, then-current pre-built laptop prices, or Framework Desktop prices. It also offered DIY buyers the option to order without memory, allowing them to reuse modules or source their own. Those statements describe the scope and policy at the time of the original announcement, not a guarantee about later pricing.
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Framework’s official post continued to receive dated updates after the initial 50% announcement. On December 24, 2025, Framework said its weighted average inventory cost for 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB modules was $10 per GB; it said 48GB modules cost slightly more. In the same update, it compared that figure with $25 per GB for Apple memory. Both are Framework’s stated figures, not an independent market-wide measure or a verified like-for-like comparison.
#1 Best Overall
- Boosts System Performance: 32GB DDR5 RAM laptop memory kit (2x16GB) that operates at 5600MHz, 5200MHz, or 4800MHz to improve multitasking and system responsiveness for smoother performance
- Accelerated gaming performance: Every millisecond gained in fast-paced gameplay counts—power through heavy workloads and benefit from versatile downclocking and higher frame rates
- Optimized DDR5 compatibility: Best for 12th Gen Intel Core and AMD Ryzen 7000 Series processors — Intel XMP 3.0 and AMD EXPO also supported on the same RAM module
- Trusted Micron Quality: Backed by 42 years of memory expertise, this DDR5 RAM is rigorously tested at both component and module levels, ensuring top performance and reliability
- ECC Type = Non-ECC, Form Factor = SODIMM, Pin Count = 262-Pin, PC Speed = PC5-44800, Voltage = 1.1V, Rank And Configuration = 1Rx8
Later updates described further price changes and differences by module capacity. Framework cited a $13–$18 per GB range for DDR5 SO-DIMMs in a later update, but that dated range should not be treated as a current quote. In its September 29, 2026 update, Framework said it had depleted lower-cost inventory for some pre-built Laptop 13 and Laptop 16 configurations using DDR5 and had raised their prices. Check the official post for the applicable update and configuration before relying on any historical price or scope.
What Framework said about Apple and Dell
Apple: a company comparison without configuration details
Framework’s December 24 update said its memory cost was “far below the $25/GB that Apple currently charges.” The post does not identify the Apple product or configuration behind that figure, so it does not establish a like-for-like comparison with Framework’s modules. Treat the amount as Framework’s comparison, not as a verified general Apple memory price.
Rank #2
- Unleash Next-Gen Dominance: Experience Lexar DDR5 RAM performance with the Lexar THOR Z Series RGB DDR5 RAM 32GB Kit (2x16GB). Clocking at a blistering 6000MHz with low CL38 latency, this DDR5 desktop memory delivers up to 6000 MT/s for a full-throttle advantage. Whether you're building a high-end gaming rig or a professional workstation, this Lexar 32GB RAM kit ensures your system keeps pace with next-gen titles
- Sleek & Robust Thermal Design: Engineered for both aesthetics and endurance, this Lexar DDR5 RAM 6000MHz features an all-new streamlined design. The solid, sandblasted aluminum heatsink fuses a minimalist, razor-sharp aesthetic with uncompromising thermal control. This Lexar THOR Z Series armor ensures your DDR5 memory stays cool under pressure, delivering sustained peak performance during intense gaming sessions
- Game in Style with Brighter RGB Lighting: Elevate your build's aesthetics with the enhanced customizable RGB lighting on this Lexar RGB DDR5 RAM. Brighter and more vibrant than previous generations, the Lexar THOR Z Series RGB DDR5 RAM allows you to synchronize lighting effects with your components, creating a truly immersive gaming atmosphere that stands out from the crowd
- On-die ECC & PMIC for Rock-Solid Stability: Go beyond speed with reliability. This Lexar DDR5 RAM kit integrates On-die Error Correction Code (ECC) to automatically correct data errors, vastly improving stability and reliability for your critical tasks. The onboard Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC) ensures efficient power delivery, boosting the overall power efficiency of your DDR5 desktop memory for a longer-lasting, more stable system
- Seamless Compatibility with Intel & AMD: Worry-free upgrade guaranteed. The Lexar THOR Z Series DDR5 RAM is built for broad compatibility with the latest platforms. It fully supports Intel XMP 3.0 and AMD EXPO one-click overclocking, making it effortless to achieve the rated speeds. Trust Lexar DDR5 RAM to deliver seamless performance with mainstream DDR5 motherboards
Dell: a disputed upgrade-price screenshot
Framework founder Nirav Patel wrote on X on December 9, 2025: “We are going to need to increase our memory pricing soon, but we won’t use this as an excuse to gouge customers like @Dell apparently has and that @Apple does as their norm.” PC Gamer reported that the Dell accusation followed a screenshot showing a $550 upgrade from 16GB to 32GB on a Dell XPS 13. When PC Gamer checked the exact model on Dell’s website, it saw a $150 upgrade instead. The publication noted that Dell prices and discounts varied and that selecting a memory option might also have required other configuration changes. These historical figures complicate the screenshot comparison; they do not establish a stable current price or prove that Dell gouged customers.
Should you buy a DIY laptop with memory or bring your own?
Ordering without memory can make sense if you already have a compatible module or can source one at a better total cost. Do not assume that any DDR5 module will work: verify the exact Framework laptop model’s supported capacity, speed, and SO-DIMM form factor using Framework’s compatibility information.
Rank #3
- Capacity: 32GB (2 x 16GB) 6000MHz
- Tested Timings: 30-40-40-76
- Feature Overclock: XMP 3.0 / EXPO overclocking supported
- Compatibility: Tested across latest DDR5 platforms for reliability on high performance
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Identify your exact laptop model. Check its supported memory capacity, speed, and module type in Framework’s compatibility information.
- Compare total prices for the same capacity. Include the configured-memory price and the cost of a compatible module; use current figures rather than the original announcement’s prices.
- Check module availability and return terms. Factor in whether the compatible module is in stock and whether you can return it if it does not meet the stated requirements.
- Account for price changes. Framework’s updates show that its costs and configurations changed over time, while retail pricing and stock can also change.
What the announcement does—and does not—show
Framework said it would raise prices only to cover cost increases and bring them down as costs fell. Its explanation and subsequent updates document the company’s stated pricing rationale and changes. They do not establish an independent market-wide measure of DDR5 inflation, or a legal or regulatory finding that Apple or Dell engaged in price gouging. The Apple comparison lacks product and configuration detail, and the Dell screenshot was challenged by PC Gamer’s later check.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Requires overclocking/BIOS adjustments. Maximum speed and performance depends on system components, including motherboard and CPU.
- G.SKILL Flare X5 Series DDR5 U-DIMM Memory Kit, Model: F5-6000J3636F16GX2-FX5
- Non-ECC, DDR5 U-DIMM, 288-pin, for Desktop PC & Gaming
- Includes JEDEC default profile, and AMD EXPO & Intel XMP 3.0 memory overclock profile
- Do not mix memory kits. Memory kits are sold in matched kits that are designed to run together as a set. Mixing memory kits will result in stability issues or system failure.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
