PC Prices Could Rise in 2026 as Memory Shortage Bites

Buying or building a new PC in 2026 may cost more than you expect. New forecasts and vendor warnings point to a resurging memory shortage that could push up prices across desktops, laptops and peripherals — especially devices with large DRAM needs for AI workloads.

Why memory is the bottleneck

Industry analysts are calling this a new memory supercycle. Demand for DRAM and related components is surging, driven by AI servers, AI-capable PCs and a wave of upgrades tied to Windows 10 reaching end of support. At the same time, supply is tightening as manufacturers prioritise higher-margin orders for data centers and AI infrastructure.

Signals from the supply chain and IDC forecasts show memory prices already climbing, with more increases likely. The ripple effect is broad: graphics cards, smartphones, gaming handhelds and any device that leans on larger memory configurations could see higher costs and constrained availability.

What buyers and builders should expect

Major PC makers including Lenovo, Dell, HP, Acer and ASUS have warned about tougher market conditions. Some suppliers are reportedly planning to raise prices by roughly 15–20% starting in the second half of 2026 and to revise supply contracts accordingly. IDC also expects global PC shipments to fall about 4.9% in 2026, a decline that could be worse if memory shortages deepen.

• OEMs vs custom builds: Large manufacturers may soften the blow for buyers by leveraging scale to keep pre-built systems competitive. Custom builders could face sharper increases on individual components.
• AI PCs risk changes: Many AI features, including Microsoft Copilot+ requirements, depend on higher memory tiers. With tighter supply, some vendors may opt to ship models with reduced RAM or delay high-memory SKUs.
• Where production is going: Memory makers are focusing output on AI server markets with higher margins, which means consumer channels could be squeezed further.

If you were planning an upgrade, there may be a financial advantage to acting sooner rather than later. Even modest timing shifts could mean avoiding the worst of the next cycle, or at least giving you more choice among configurations and prices.

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