PC Prices on Brink of Collapse as Memory Crisis Bites Deep
The memory shortage in AI infrastructure has already led to one consumer-facing RAM brand meeting its demise, but experts now warn that it could have a devastating impact on the entire PC industry. According to a new report from International Data Corporation (IDC), PC shipments are at risk of plummeting by as much as 8.9 percent in 2026 due to soaring memory costs.
The crisis is being driven by the increasing demand for high-performance RAM used in AI data centers, such as HBM and DDR5. This shift has forced major memory makers to divert production away from conventional DRAM and NAND used in smartphones, PCs, and other consumer electronics. As a result, prices of available RAM have skyrocketed, prompting PC manufacturers to hike their product prices to stay profitable.
The irony is that the "AI PC" market, which was supposed to be a boon for the industry, has instead become another casualty of the memory shortage. These specialized computers require more RAM than standard PCs, making them vulnerable to the same supply chain disruptions. The consequences will not only affect computer sales but also smartphone shipments, with prices and volumes expected to decline by 5.2 percent and grow by 6 to 8 percent, respectively.
Only a few major players, such as Apple and Samsung, with their vast cash reserves and long-term supply agreements, are likely to weather this storm without significant disruption. For the rest of the industry, however, the coming months will be marked by skyrocketing prices and a sense of economic uncertainty, forcing them to adopt more conservative strategies in the face of an increasingly volatile market.
The memory shortage in AI infrastructure has already led to one consumer-facing RAM brand meeting its demise, but experts now warn that it could have a devastating impact on the entire PC industry. According to a new report from International Data Corporation (IDC), PC shipments are at risk of plummeting by as much as 8.9 percent in 2026 due to soaring memory costs.
The crisis is being driven by the increasing demand for high-performance RAM used in AI data centers, such as HBM and DDR5. This shift has forced major memory makers to divert production away from conventional DRAM and NAND used in smartphones, PCs, and other consumer electronics. As a result, prices of available RAM have skyrocketed, prompting PC manufacturers to hike their product prices to stay profitable.
The irony is that the "AI PC" market, which was supposed to be a boon for the industry, has instead become another casualty of the memory shortage. These specialized computers require more RAM than standard PCs, making them vulnerable to the same supply chain disruptions. The consequences will not only affect computer sales but also smartphone shipments, with prices and volumes expected to decline by 5.2 percent and grow by 6 to 8 percent, respectively.
Only a few major players, such as Apple and Samsung, with their vast cash reserves and long-term supply agreements, are likely to weather this storm without significant disruption. For the rest of the industry, however, the coming months will be marked by skyrocketing prices and a sense of economic uncertainty, forcing them to adopt more conservative strategies in the face of an increasingly volatile market.
! I mean, who needs that kind of stress when buying a new rig? The memory crisis is real and it's gonna hit the entire industry hard 
. I was thinking of upgrading my gaming laptop soon, but now I'm not so sure... the thought of spending more money than I already have on RAM 
just gives me anxiety 
. And what about all those "AI PCs" that were supposed to be a thing? Forget about it now 
. It's gonna be a wild ride for PC manufacturers and consumers alike 
.
and what about all those people who rely on their PCs for work or gaming? they're gonna get screwed 
. i hope someone does something about it tho, this industry needs a wake up call 
I mean, have you seen the prices of gaming laptops lately? They're already crazy enough, but now this memory shortage thing is gonna take it to another level 
. I'm thinking about getting a new rig and I'm low-key freaking out about the cost of RAM 
It's just so much hype for my money 
.
And what about those small businesses or individuals who can't afford to upgrade their computers? It's gonna be a tough time ahead... 
. Anyway, I'm guessing my wallet (and probably a lot of others) is gonna be taking a hit 
