PC makers are warning customers to expect higher prices and tighter memory configurations as the RAM shortage worsens and looks set to last into 2026. Manufacturers say AI server demand is pulling memory supply away from consumer devices, which pushes costs higher across mainstream PC builds.
Memory supply tightens as AI demand surges
The shortage comes from a long-term shift in how memory makers allocate capacity, not a short-lived supply chain disruption. DRAM and NAND suppliers are prioritizing higher-margin orders for AI servers and hyperscale data centers, which leaves fewer chips available for consumer PCs.
Micron has warned that tight supply could persist beyond 2026, while other suppliers have signaled that demand growth could outpace new supply for years. That imbalance keeps pricing pressure high for common PC memory types such as DDR5.
PC makers prepare customers for price hikes
PC brands have started notifying customers and channel partners about higher pricing tied to memory costs. Reports point to increases rolling out in late 2025 and continuing into early 2026, with some commercial and consumer lines seeing larger jumps than the market average.
Analysts also expect higher average selling prices for PCs next year, even if CPU and GPU costs stay steady. The memory bill is turning into the main variable that shapes what a typical laptop or desktop costs.
OEMs change how PCs ship
To manage unpredictable memory pricing, some vendors are adjusting how systems ship and how they position configurations. Reports say certain prebuilt desktops may ship with minimal RAM, or even without RAM installed, so buyers can source memory separately.
This approach can reduce sticker shock for base models, but it also shifts more work to the buyer and increases the chance of compatibility mistakes. It also signals that OEMs expect memory volatility to continue through at least 2026.
Analysts expect higher average PC prices
Market forecasts project noticeable pressure on PC pricing in 2026, with research pointing to average PC prices rising by roughly mid-single digits under current memory conditions. As memory demand grows faster than supply, DDR5 pricing remains one of the biggest drivers behind higher system costs.
Industry watchers also expect fewer deep discounts on popular configurations, especially for 16GB and 32GB systems. Buyers may see more “good-better-best” lineups where the best-value SKU becomes harder to keep in stock.
What comes next
Unless memory makers add capacity faster than AI demand grows, the PC market will likely face sustained pricing pressure through 2026. Buyers should expect higher upfront costs, more conservative base configurations, and fewer promotions on popular RAM tiers as vendors protect margins.
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