A global shortage of RAM, driven by AI data center demands, has caused PC memory prices to surge by 40 to 70 percent in 2025, leading to higher costs and lower specs for computers in 2026. This development is dampening the hype around so-called AI PCs, as manufacturers shift focus amid waning consumer interest. Analysts predict volatility in PC sales this year, with shortages persisting beyond 2026.
The RAM shortage, fueled by the AI boom's strain on data centers, has significantly impacted the personal computing market. In 2025, mainstream PC memory and storage costs rose by 40 percent to 70 percent, according to Ben Yeh, principal analyst at Omdia, with these increases passed on to customers. Global PC shipments grew by 9.2 percent (Omdia) or 9.6 percent (IDC) compared to 2024, but 2026 is expected to be turbulent.
"The year ahead is shaping up to be extremely volatile," said Jean Philippe Bouchard, research VP at IDC. To cope, PC makers plan price hikes of 15 to 20 percent and reduced RAM specifications to preserve inventory. Jitesh Ubrani, IDC research manager, noted that shortages will extend beyond 2026, hitting cost-conscious buyers hardest, and vendors will prioritize midrange and premium systems.
This crunch particularly affects AI PCs, which typically require at least 16GB of RAM for on-device processing. Consumer interest in these devices has been fading, with cloud-based AI options readily available and limited use cases for local AI. "PC OEMs had trouble selling the on-device AI message even before the memory shortages," Ubrani told Ars Technica.
Dell exemplified the shift: It discontinued its XPS line in 2025, citing the evolving AI PC market, but revived it at CES 2026, emphasizing build quality, battery life, and displays over AI. "Consumers are not buying based on AI," said Kevin Terwilliger, Dell VP and GM of PCs. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella reportedly expressed disappointment with the consumer Copilot, calling some integrations "not smart."
Framework, a modular PC maker, hiked prices on its 128GB desktop by 50 percent compared to the 64GB model, warning of "years" of RAM misery. Stability may not return until 2027, potentially leading to more purposeful AI PC development rather than hype-driven sales.
