Memory now about 35% of PC component cost as laptop prices climb 15-30%

Memory prices have become one of the main drivers of PC pricing in 2026. Notebookcheck reported in June that the cheapest 32 GB DDR5 memory kit cost about $439, compared with $80 to $120 a year earlier. HP told investors that memory now makes up about 35% of a PC's component cost, up from 15% to 18% two quarters before. Dell, Lenovo, Acer, and ASUS have raised prices by 15% to 30%, and Gartner forecasts average PC prices rising 17% this year.

The cause is demand from AI data centers. Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron are shifting production toward high-bandwidth memory used in AI servers, which takes several times more wafer capacity per gigabyte than standard DRAM. One visible side effect is that 8 GB laptops are returning to the market as manufacturers try to hold price points. TrendForce analysts do not expect meaningful relief before late 2027, possibly 2028, when new chip plants reach volume production.

When you buy business PCs this year, look closely at the memory spec on every quote. A lower-priced model with 8 GB of RAM may not be a saving if it slows down within two years or has to be replaced early. Ask your supplier to quote the configuration you actually need, how long the price is held, and whether lease or device-as-a-service options would spread the cost. For machines that still run well, extending their life by a year may be the better move.

Gartner estimates combined DRAM and SSD prices will rise more than 130% by the end of the year.