Individual RAM needs may be the biggest factor to lifespan
By Roger Fingas Nov. 8, 2026 5:30 pm EST Tanit Boonruen/Getty Images Add Engadget on Google: Google DiscoverWe probably don't need to remind you that RAM prices are out of control, spiraling into the sky like a broken rocket because of the unending growth of AI data centers. Companies like Apple have had to raise the cost of existing devices to keep up profit margins, and newer products are often launching with eye-watering price tags. Valve's Steam Machine costs over $1,000 — which is in line with a comparable gaming PC, but it was originally intended to be much cheaper, probably closer to $750. There's no telling how expensive Sony and Microsoft's next consoles will be.
