Memory Price Hikes to Impact PC Costs in 2026

In a developing trend that could affect technology enthusiasts globally, major computer manufacturers, including Acer and Asus, are set to increase the prices of their commercial and consumer PCs in early 2026. This comes as a direct consequence of rising memory component costs, which have been steadily climbing and are projected to continue this upward trajectory. This adjustment follows similar announcements from industry giants like Lenovo, HP, and Dell, with Dell reportedly implementing price hikes of up to 30% by mid-December.

The current memory market dynamics are largely influenced by a significant increase in the Bill of Materials (BOM) for PCs. Acer CEO Jason Chen noted that memory, which once constituted a minor percentage of a PC's overall cost, has seen its prices jump by 30% to 50% between Q3 and mid-Q4 of 2025. This surge has led to a 2% to 3% increase in the total BOM, prompting manufacturers to consider various strategies to manage costs, potentially including offering lower default RAM configurations in new laptops. The ongoing escalation in memory prices suggests that this trend will persist, making 2026 a potentially expensive year for those looking to acquire new PC hardware.

Despite the current challenges, there is a glimmer of hope for future market stabilization. Both Acer's Jason Chen and Asus co-CEO Samson Hu have expressed optimism that memory prices may begin to stabilize before the end of 2026. Hu anticipates a more reasonable pricing environment in the first half of the year, while Chen points to an expected increase in memory chip production capacity in mainland China as a key factor that could help alleviate the current supply and demand imbalance. However, in the short term, reports indicate that laptop sales in Q1 2026 could see a year-on-year decrease of at least 10%, with a potential further decline of 10% to 20% in Q2, reflecting the immediate impact of these price adjustments on consumer purchasing behavior.

The challenges facing the PC market, while significant, also highlight the dynamic nature of technological innovation and supply chains. This period of adjustment encourages a deeper appreciation for the complex interplay of manufacturing, market forces, and consumer demand. It reminds us that every component, no matter how small, plays a crucial role in the broader ecosystem of progress and accessibility, fostering a collective anticipation for equilibrium and continued advancement in technology.