Surging AI Demand for Memory Causes Shortage

We want to make you aware of global and industry‑wide factors which are likely to affect computer pricing in 2026.

Over the past several months, the global market for memory components — including DRAM and solid‑state storage — has experienced significant volatility. These components are essential to every PC, handheld, and tablet/laptop, as well as many associated products. Rising memory costs will ultimately impact final product pricing for all products which utilize memory. CSSI has already started to receive price increase notifications from our manufacturing partners, and we anticipate that all manufacturers will take action.

Why Memory Prices Are Increasing In 2026

Several major factors are driving these changes:

• Surging demand from AI data centers
  Large‑scale artificial intelligence systems require enormous amounts of memory. This rapid growth has created unprecedented demand for DRAM and NAND, tightening supply for all manufacturers.
• Manufacturers are shifting production to high‑bandwidth memory (HBM)
  HBM is used heavily in AI servers and is far more profitable for chip makers. As a result, production capacity is being redirected away from standard consumer memory, reducing availability and increasing costs for everyday PC components.
• A global shortage that began in late 2025
  The memory industry entered a shortage cycle late last year, and analysts expect it to continue through 2026 and possibly into 2027. This shortage has already pushed component prices sharply higher. It takes time for new supply to come online.
• Rising costs being passed through the supply chain
  Memory modules and storage devices have increased in price by double‑ and even triple‑digit percentages in some categories. PC and tablet/laptop manufacturers are now adjusting their pricing to reflect these higher component costs.

What This Means for You

The enterprise equipment manufacturers with which CSSI partners have begun to announce price increases. During the COVID-era, we all experienced price increases driven by overall supply chain challenges. In this case, it is specifically increasing demand for computer memory which is driving prices higher.

What Action You Can Take

If you have near-term needs, it would be smart to try to get orders in before price increases take effect. Waiting it out may not be an option – there may be future waves of increases if the supply/demand balance persists. New supply is unlikely to be a near-term solution, because of the very long start-up time for new capacity. Your account representative can help you understand the current pricing for the equipment you utilize and can help guide you to your best options. The pricing situation is fast-moving at this time, so please keep in touch with us. We will do our utmost to support you. Contact CSSI to discuss your options.