Valve has revealed it receives monthly price quotes from DRAM producers with no option to negotiate. The company must accept the terms or risk losing access to supply entirely. This affects the upcoming Steam Machine, which starts at $1,050.
A Valve employee stated in an interview that no contracts exist with DRAM makers. The producers set monthly prices and quantities, leaving Valve to respond yes or no. Refusal ends further communication.
The limited supply forces some Steam Machines to ship with a single 16GB RAM stick while others use two 8GB sticks. Valve testing found no performance impact from the configurations.
DRAM makers prioritize large AI and datacenter clients who commit to high volumes months ahead. This leaves smaller buyers like Valve and memory firm G.Skill with restricted access and higher costs.
