PC prices could rise by 8% in 2026 due to memory shortages

Research firm IDC predicts that the average price of computers could rise by up to 8% in 2026 due to a global shortage of memory chips (RAM and NAND).

The background is the sharp increase in demand for HBM memory for AI data centers, which is prioritized over the production of consumer memory, which is less profitable for manufacturers.

Meanwhile, IDC predicts that the PC market could also shrink by between 2.4 and 8.9 percent in 2026 as a result of the shortage.

“If the smartphone market is facing pressure, the PC market is bracing for disruption. The timing of the memory shortage creates a perfect storm for the PC industry, colliding with the Microsoft Windows 10 end-of-life refresh cycle and the AI PC marketing push.

PC vendors are signalling broad price increases as cost pressures intensify into H2 2026. Lenovo, Dell, HP, Acer and ASUS have warned clients of tougher conditions ahead, confirming 15-20% hikes and contract resets as an industry-wide response.

…White box as well as lower tier (often local) vendors, on the other hand, will bear the greatest burden of the shortage, and that would include DIY systems, oftentimes built by gamers. That in turn represents an opportunity for large OEMs to gain share from smaller assemblers in the gaming space by positioning pre-built systems as offering higher value.”

In an interview on PCWorld’s Full Nerd Network channel on YouTube, Cameron Crandall of Kingston — known for its flash memory products — said that anyone looking to upgrade their system should aim to do so as soon as possible instead of waiting for lower prices.

“I think the best thing to do if you’re looking at upgrading your system is to do it now and not wait because prices are going to continue to go up,” he said. “My advice today would be to not hold off on that purchase because it will be more expensive 30 days from now, and more likely it will be more expensive 30 days after that.”