Introduction
As the global demand for high‑performance computing spikes, DDR5 RAM prices have rocketed to unprecedented levels, leaving both gamers and professionals scrambling for scarce stock. In the midst of this frenzy, reports have surfaced that employees at Samsung retail outlets allegedly accepted cash payments from desperate customers in exchange for priority access to the limited inventory. The accusations, first detailed in a NotebookCheck investigation, have ignited a debate over ethics, supply‑chain transparency, and the broader consequences of a market under strain.
Rising cost of DDR5 memory
Since early 2023, DDR5 modules have experienced a steady price climb driven by a perfect storm of factors: ongoing semiconductor shortages, heightened demand from AI‑driven data centers, and the lag in production capacity expansion. The average price per gigabyte, which hovered around $6.50 in mid‑2023, surged to over $12.00 by late 2024. The table below captures the month‑by‑month trend up to the most recent data available (December 2025).
| Month | Average price per GB (USD) |
|---|---|
| Jan 2024 | $9.20 |
| Apr 2024 | $10.10 |
| Jul 2024 | $11.30 |
| Oct 2024 | $12.00 |
| Jan 2025 | $12.45 |
| Apr 2025 | $12.80 |
| Jul 2025 | $13.10 |
| Oct 2025 | $13.30 |
| Dec 2025 | $13.45 |
Allegations against Samsung staff
The investigation uncovered multiple testimonies from customers who claimed they were asked to hand over cash—often in the form of unrecorded “priority fees”—to secure a reservation for DDR5 kits. According to the reports, the alleged payments ranged from $200 to $1,000 per order, depending on the module’s capacity and the urgency expressed by the buyer. Employees purportedly used internal reservation tools to bypass standard queue systems, effectively creating a black‑market within official Samsung channels.
- Customers reported receiving receipts that omitted the extra cash payment.
- Several staff members were identified by name in the source material, though no legal names were disclosed publicly.
- Samsung’s internal audit logs, as referenced by the article, showed irregular access patterns during the peak months of the price surge.
Impact on consumers and market trust
For end‑users, the alleged bribery scheme compounds the frustration of already inflated prices. Many have turned to secondary marketplaces, where mark‑ups can exceed 200%, further destabilising the market. Trust in Samsung’s retail integrity—a brand that has long been synonymous with reliability—has taken a noticeable hit, as reflected in a spike in negative reviews during the last quarter of 2024.
Beyond individual grievances, the episode raises broader concerns about supply‑chain governance. When frontline staff can manipulate allocation, it undermines the effectiveness of any manufacturer‑wide anti‑hoarding policies and erodes confidence among corporate partners.
Legal and corporate response
Samsung’s corporate communications office issued a brief statement denying systemic wrongdoing while pledging a “comprehensive internal review.” The company has reportedly suspended several employees pending investigation and is cooperating with local law enforcement in South Korea and other affected jurisdictions.
Legal experts suggest that, if proven, the conduct could violate both consumer protection statutes and anti‑corruption laws, potentially exposing Samsung to fines exceeding $50 million. Industry analysts also warn that prolonged scrutiny could delay Samsung’s rollout of next‑generation memory products, further tightening supply.
Looking ahead: supply chain and pricing
Even if the bribery allegations are resolved, the underlying price pressure on DDR5 is unlikely to disappear soon. Analysts forecast that the average price per gigabyte will remain above $13 until at least mid‑2026, as demand from AI workloads outpaces the incremental capacity added by fabs in South Korea, Taiwan, and the United States.
Consumers are advised to monitor official Samsung channels for transparent stock updates, consider reputable third‑party sellers with verified return policies, and stay alert for any further reports of irregular sales practices.
Conclusion
The surge in DDR5 RAM prices has created a fertile ground for unethical behavior, with allegations that Samsung store employees accepted bribes to prioritize certain customers. While Samsung has launched an internal probe and suspended implicated staff, the episode highlights systemic vulnerabilities in high‑demand tech markets. Until supply constraints ease, prices will stay elevated, and both consumers and regulators must remain vigilant to ensure fairness and accountability across the entire memory ecosystem.
Image by: Karola G
https://www.pexels.com/@karola-g
