Altman: PCs Waste DRAM, OpenAI Controls 40% of Global Supply
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- OpenAI disebut mengendalikan 40% pasokan DRAM dunia hingga 2029, memicu kelangkaan dan kenaikan harga perangkat konsumen seperti PS5.
- Sam Altman menilai penyimpanan DRAM di komputer pribadi tidak efisien karena hanya terpakai 5% dari waktu, dan mendorong utilisasi maksimal di cloud.
- Kritik muncul karena OpenAI dianggap bagian dari akar masalah kelangkaan, sementara langkah Sony beralih ke PS5 digital memperkuat tren kontrol akses oleh korporasi.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman sparked debate after stating that personal computers (PCs) are a poor way to store memory amid global chip supply constraints. In an interview with the YouTube channel Cheeky Pint, Altman criticized the use of DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) spread across individual devices, which he said is used only about 5% of the time.
The statement came as OpenAI was reported to control 40% of the world's DRAM supply through 2029. This dominance is cited as one cause of the memory shortage that has pushed console prices such as the PlayStation 5 up to USD650 and made building a new gaming PC increasingly expensive. Altman argued that allocating DRAM globally would be far more efficient if concentrated in data centers rather than stored in personal computers.
“From a global allocation perspective, it's actually really bad if every person has a slice of the world's limited DRAM supply in their own computer — and it's only used 5% of the time,” he said. He added that in a tight supply environment, maximum utilization in the cloud is key, yet people's intuition runs the other way.
Criticism has followed. Altman is seen as ignoring OpenAI's role in creating the shortage itself. However, his argument aligns with Sony's move to end Blu-ray support in 2027 and produce only a digital PS5. The step reinforces the trend toward an ecosystem that depends entirely on the cloud, where companies can control access to and pricing of content.
“If energy, supply, and production costs don't come down, I'll be very sad. But to bring them down, given how much value is here, supply has to go up a lot,” Altman said.
For Indonesia, Altman's statement and OpenAI's dominance of global DRAM are an early warning. As a large consumer market for electronics, Indonesia will feel the direct impact of the memory shortage on the prices of PCs, game consoles, and phones. In addition, dependence on cloud services controlled by foreign companies poses risks to data sovereignty and long-term costs. The government and domestic industry players need to encourage the development of local data centers and more diverse chip supply partnerships.
Looking ahead, the question is how far cloud-based business models will change the landscape of device ownership. If DRAM supply remains controlled by a handful of companies, consumers may have no choice but to accept subscription models. However, public pressure and the need for openness could force companies like OpenAI to be more transparent about resource allocation. Will there be a new balance between AI innovation and fair access to technology?
