PC hardware has already become significantly more expensive because of rising memory and storage costs, and things could get even worse before they start improving. Acer Chairman and CEO Chen Chun-shen (known as Jason Chen) expects PC prices to increase again during the fourth quarter of 2026, with the average increase potentially ranging from 5% to as much as 20%.

Interestingly, the problem is no longer simply a lack of components. According to Chen, DDR4 and DDR5 memory are currently available in relatively healthy quantities, while CPU supply has also improved significantly. Only certain low-end and mid-range processors are still facing tighter availability. However, despite better supply, the prices Acer and other PC manufacturers are paying for important components remain high.

Memory and SSD prices are particularly important here, as both remain expensive even though supply has improved. This means the price increase won’t necessarily be the same across every desktop and laptop. Systems equipped with larger amounts of RAM or higher-capacity SSDs could experience bigger increases because memory and storage make up a larger portion of their overall hardware cost.

Peak prices in 2027, but RAM crisis should end before 2030

 “It’s impossible for the shortage to last until 2030! Supply has been consistently available, so there are many people wanting to sell to us, but few wanting to buy from us.”

Jason Chen, Acer Chairman and CEO [translated]

Chen expects average PC prices to continue climbing through the coming months, with the market potentially reaching its peak around mid-2027. If his prediction is accurate, consumers may not begin seeing meaningful price reductions until the second half of next year.

Even if component prices begin falling before then, cheaper hardware won’t immediately translate into cheaper PCs. Manufacturers purchase components and plan products months in advance, meaning there can be a significant delay before lower component costs make their way into finished systems sitting on store shelves.

There are at least some signs that the supply situation could continue improving. Memory manufacturers are increasing production capacity, including companies in China, and Chen doesn’t believe the current memory situation can continue until 2030, as some other industry figures have suggested.

About the Author

Abdul Haddi

Abdul is a tech writer and Editor for PC Guide, specializing in all things tech, gaming, and hardware.