IDC Projects Decline in PC Shipments Due to RAM Price Surge
Computer market research firm IDC has issued a concerning update about the device market, indicating that PC shipments may drop by as much as 9% in 2026. This forecast is largely attributed to ongoing global memory shortages, which are exacerbated by rising RAM prices.
According to a report from tom’s hardware, the global PC industry is bracing for significant declines, with IDC warning that unfavorable conditions are likely to persist due to increasing demand for AI infrastructure, which is distorting the tech landscape.
A major factor contributing to this bleak outlook is the shift of DRAM and NAND manufacturing towards more lucrative enterprise components, like high-bandwidth memory and advanced DDR5. This shift is in response to the relentless demand from hyperscalers for AI capabilities.
IDC suggests that this reallocation of silicon resources will not be a temporary trend, as it diverges from typical boom-and-bust patterns that the industry has historically followed. Consequently, average PC prices are expected to rise by up to 8% in 2026, compounding the challenges faced by the market.
While large computer manufacturers, including Dell, HP, Lenovo, and ASUS, are likely to fare better due to their scale, supply chains, and long-term contracts, smaller regional brands, white box builders, and DIY enthusiasts may struggle more intensely. This is particularly true in the gaming PC sector, where high memory specifications are common and price sensitivity is high.
Additionally, Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, has noted that escalating RAM prices could pose significant hurdles for high-end gaming in the years ahead. He highlighted that the AI boom is effectively driving up consumer RAM costs, with potential repercussions for PC enthusiasts who are planning upgrades or new builds.
Sweeney pointed out that factories are reallocating advanced DRAM resources to meet the soaring demands of AI data centers, which are willing to pay higher prices than consumers can afford. This change in production focus reflects a broader shift in industry priorities.
IDCs findings underscore a troubling trend: the ascendance of AI infrastructure is inadvertently reshaping the consumer hardware market, tightening supply lines, inflating prices, and prompting vendors to reassess their product strategies at a challenging time. With GPU shortages already a concern, the road ahead for the PC market in the coming year looks daunting, leaving little motivation for consumers to upgrade their current systems.
