Hardware pricing in 2026 is being shaped less by consumer demand than by the AI data center boom.

What’s happening

Memory makers have shifted capacity toward high-margin chips for AI servers, such as high-bandwidth memory and server DDR5. That leaves less supply of the standard DRAM and flash storage used in laptops, desktops, and ordinary servers.

The numbers (as of October 2026)

– TrendForce reported that conventional DRAM contract prices rose roughly 90 to 95 percent quarter over quarter in the first quarter of 2026, and forecast further increases of 13 to 18 percent for DRAM and 10 to 15 percent for NAND flash in the third quarter.

– Gartner projects that the combined price of DRAM and SSD storage will rise about 130 percent by the end of 2026 versus 2025, which it expects to push average PC prices up about 17 percent.

– Major PC makers have warned of price increases of roughly 15 to 20 percent or more from the second half of 2026.

– TrendForce lowered its 2026 global laptop shipment forecast, citing the shortage.

– Some industry executives expect tight supply to last into 2027 or beyond, though forecasts differ, and NAND supply may ease in the second half of 2027.

What it means for your business

– Higher quotes and shorter quote validity, especially for configurations with more memory

– Possible delays for some models

– Specification trade-offs: some vendors may limit memory or storage options

– Cloud and server prices may also rise as providers pass on costs

How to plan

1. Buy sooner for planned refreshes rather than waiting for prices to fall

2. Get written quotes and confirm how long prices are held

3. Right-size memory: 16 GB is a sensible standard for most users, so don’t overbuy

4. Standardize models to simplify sourcing

5. Extend lifecycles carefully for healthy, supported devices, but don’t postpone security-critical replacements

6. Consider leasing or Hardware-as-a-Service to smooth costs

7. Work with a reseller that can check availability across distributors

Sources:
https://www.trendforce.com/presscenter/news/20260930-13258.html
https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2026-02-26-gartner-says-surging-memory-costs-will-reduce-global-pc-and-smartphone-shipments-in-2026
https://www.idc.com/resource-center/blog/pc-market-enters-volatile-territory-as-memory-shortage-persists-through-2027/

DBR Soft can check availability and lock in pricing for your planned purchases. Contact us for more information.