Unexpected Growth in PC Shipments During RAM Deficit

The personal computer market is on edge as it prepares for an unpredictable year, but recent developments have proven surprisingly positive. During the last quarter of 2025, the sector witnessed nearly a 10% increase in shipments compared to the previous year, reaching a total of 76.4 million units.

The discontinuation of support for Windows 10 by Microsoft has played a significant role in elevating shipment numbers. In addition, computer manufacturers have been proactively advancing their inventories to tackle the threats from impending tariffs and a worldwide scarcity of memory components.

Typically, the festive period boosts demand, but in late 2025, this was further intensified by the emerging memory shortages. This situation prompted both consumers and brands to secure their supplies in advance, anticipating price hikes in 2026.

Memory Component Challenges

In recent times, there has been a sharp rise in RAM and SSD prices due to shortages fueled by the demand from AI data centers. Leading PC manufacturers, such as Lenovo and HP, have attempted to mitigate this by accumulating memory supplies. However, these reserves are expected to deplete within months, potentially causing price increases and adjustments in PC configurations.

Jean Philippe Bouchard, IDC's research vice president, suggests that beyond the immediate financial impact observed in pricing from some manufacturers, we might witness a general reduction in PC memory standards as a strategy to preserve existing stocks. The year is poised to be markedly unstable.

Future Pricing Trends

Looking ahead to 2026, IDC anticipates a rise in the average selling prices of PCs. Manufacturers are expected to focus on mid to high-end models to balance the mounting expenses of memory. For potential buyers, it might be wise to make purchasing decisions sooner rather than later.