OpenAI is reported to have signed simultaneous contracts with Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix on October 1. The scale of these contracts is said to reach 40% of the global DRAM supply.
PartnershipsOpenAISamsung ElectronicsSK Hynix
OpenAI Signs DRAM Procurement Deals with Samsung and SK Hynix, Contributing to Memory Price Surge
This article is a translation. Read the Japanese original
It is reported that neither company was aware of the other's contract details or timing. Due to strict confidentiality, industry insiders were reportedly surprised by the scale of the agreements.
This move sent shockwaves through the market. Panic buying by other companies occurred, leading to a rapid decrease in inventory.
Author Tom Moore stated that a 32GB DDR5 kit he purchased in early November increased in price by approximately 156% three weeks later. There have also been reports of U.S. retailers being approached by memory manufacturers to buy back inventory.
Pre-built PC manufacturers have reportedly been given delivery estimates as late as December 2026 for current orders. Inventory reductions driven by concerns over tariffs and price drops are also cited as factors exacerbating the supply shortage.
Source: Sam Altman’s DRAM Deal (HN 338pt, 237 comments) (HN Search (backfill), 2025-12-06)