The ‘global memory crisis’: SD card prices soar as AI centers move in

By South Loop TV News Team

At Columbia College Chicago, many students power their majors. One of these components are SD cards, small and compact storage devices designed for easy transport. 

But due to AI data centers moving in, students are seeing a near 100% increase in them. 

Dubbed online as the “global memory crisis,” AI data centers are buying up NAND flash chips for their own use, which are also used in the production of SD cards. Because of this, consumers are seeing a sharp incline in costs. 

SanDisk’s fastest card was available for $89.99 in December 2025, but that same card today is now going for $199.99. 

Some SD card manufacturers have even seen a 300% increase.

Over the next 18 months, students may expect to see an even pricier price tag in SD cards, RAM and SSDs.

Reporter: Hunter Warner

Camera: Maizie Hummel-logee

Web writer: Matt Brady