THE SHORT ANSWER

AI is increasing PC prices indirectly. AI data centers require high-bandwidth memory (HBM), high-density server DRAM, and enterprise storage. Those products draw on many of the same manufacturers and advanced production resources that serve conventional PC memory and storage. As suppliers prioritize AI and server products, PC component supply tightens and costs rise. Gartner projects average PC prices to increase 17% in 2026, while IDC forecasts an 18.3% increase.

17%

Projected rise in average PC prices in 2026

18.3%

Forecast rise in PC average selling prices in 2026

3x

Approximate HBM3E silicon use versus DDR5 for the same bits

So, why are laptop and desktop prices rising in 2026?

Memory and storage costs have become the clearest pressure on the PC market. Gartner estimates that combined DRAM and solid-state-drive prices could be 130% higher by the end of 2026, contributing to a projected 17% increase in PC prices compared with 2025.

IDC reaches a similar conclusion. It forecasts an 18.3% increase in PC average selling prices for 2026 and says no meaningful relief from the memory shortage is expected before the end of 2027.

That does not mean every computer will cost exactly 17% to 18% more. The increase for a specific laptop or desktop depends on the manufacturer, configuration, warranty, market, contract, and purchase timing. Entry-level systems can be especially exposed because vendors have less margin available to absorb a large component-cost increase.

What is high-bandwidth memory, and is it the same as laptop RAM?

High-bandwidth memory is a specialized form of DRAM that is vertically stacked and placed close to an AI accelerator. It is designed to move enormous amounts of data quickly enough to keep high-performance processors working.

HBM is not the same memory module found in an ordinary laptop. Most business PCs use DDR5 or LPDDR memory and client solid-state drives. The connection is upstream: HBM and conventional DRAM rely on advanced memory production, while AI servers also consume large amounts of server DRAM and enterprise NAND storage.

Important distinction: AI companies are not literally buying the RAM sticks intended for laptops. AI demand is changing how manufacturers allocate silicon, leading-edge capacity, advanced packaging, capital investment, and long-term supply agreements across the memory market.

What do higher PC prices mean for businesses?

Businesses should expect larger refresh budgets, fewer genuinely low-cost choices, and less flexibility when a device must be replaced immediately.

1. Delaying replacement can create hidden costs. Older devices may require more support, experience more downtime, and create security or compatibility concerns. Gartner expects buyers to keep PCs longer as prices rise and warns that this can make older-device management more difficult.

2. One-size-fits-all purchasing becomes more expensive. Buying a high-end configuration for every employee wastes budget, while under-specifying systems for accountants, engineers, designers, developers, analysts, and other power users can reduce productivity.

3. Emergency buying removes options. A failed computer forces the business to accept whatever is in stock, often without time to compare vendors, standardize configurations, plan deployment, or negotiate pricing.

Q Is AI really making laptops more expensive?

A

Yes, indirectly. AI data centers use HBM, high-density server DRAM, and enterprise storage. As manufacturers allocate more advanced production resources to AI and server products, conventional PC memory and storage become tighter and more expensive.

Q Is HBM the same memory used in a laptop?

A

No. HBM is a specialized stacked memory used with AI accelerators and other high-performance processors. Business laptops generally use DDR5 or LPDDR memory. The price connection comes from shared manufacturers, leading-edge production resources, and investment priorities.

Q How much are PC prices expected to rise?

A

Forecasts vary. Gartner projects a 17% increase in PC prices during 2026 compared with 2025, while IDC forecasts an 18.3% increase in average selling prices. A specific device may move more or less depending on its configuration and vendor.

Q When will computer prices come back down?

A

There is no guaranteed date. IDC currently expects no meaningful relief from the memory shortage before the end of 2027 and says prices are unlikely to return quickly to 2025 levels. Market forecasts can change as supply and demand change.

Q Can thin clients or cloud desktops reduce costs?

A

Sometimes. They can be a strong fit for browser-based or standardized workloads, but the decision should include licensing, network reliability, support, security, user experience, and three-year total cost - not hardware price alone.

Q Should businesses keep old computers longer?

A

Only when those systems remain secure, supported, reliable, and productive. Selective life extension can save money; indefinite delay can increase downtime, support cost, and security risk.