California suit alleges Samsung SK Hynix Micron inflated DRAM prices
Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron are being sued in California for allegedly teaming up to drive up the price of DRAM chips, the memory that powers most of our devices.
The lawsuit claims these companies cut supply on purpose, leading to a massive 700% jump in RAM prices since 2022.
Plaintiffs allege firms deterred new entrants
The plaintiffs say the trio made it tough for new players to enter the market by keeping production costs sky-high and setting export barriers.
This isn't their first rodeo: Samsung paid nearly $300 million and SK Hynix paid $185 million for similar price-fixing, while Micron avoided a fine by cooperating.
Higher RAM prices have hit device makers like Apple, and forced pricier gadgets onto consumers.
So far, none of the companies have commented on the case, but its outcome could seriously impact what we all pay for electronics going forward.