RAM Shortage in 2026: What do you need to Know
Not a passing trend
If you’ve recently approached us for a new computer, you might already have noticed a steep price hike, but don’t shoot the messenger, Memory chips, essential for PCs, laptops, and servers, are in critically short supply, and prices are skyrocketing all around the globe. Analysts predict this shortage will persist well into 2027, driven by the AI boom and constrained semiconductor production.
Ram goes in every single device, and now AI is taking it all as well
Why Is RAM in Short Supply?
The shortage isn’t just a temporary blip; it’s structural. Here’s why:
AI Demand Is Exploding
Hyperscalers like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon are consuming massive amounts of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) for AI data centers. This has diverted production away from consumer-grade DRAM and NAND chips. [idc.com]
Limited Fab Expansion
Despite billions in global investment, new semiconductor fabs won’t reach full capacity until late 2026 or beyond. That means supply will remain tight for the foreseeable future. [earlytechguy.com]
Permanent Shift in Priorities
Manufacturers are prioritizing high-margin enterprise memory over consumer components. For SMBs, this means higher costs and fewer options.[tomshardware.com]
How Will This Affect Device Prices in 2026?
The impact is already visible globally, and as you’ve already noticed, New Zealand won’t be immune:
Smartphones
Expect average selling prices to rise by 6–7%, with low-end models hit hardest. Some brands may cut specs to manage costs. [androidheadlines.com]
PCs and Laptops
TrendForce predicts laptop prices could jump 10–15% the least, as memory and SSD costs surge. For SMBs planning hardware refresh cycles, this needs to be taken in consideration. [au.pcmag.com]
Servers and Enterprise Gear
Cloud and AI-ready systems will see the steepest hikes, as DDR5 and server-grade DIMMs become scarce. Smaller data centers may struggle to compete with hyperscalers locking in multi-year contracts. [earlytechguy.com]
A very sudden and steep hike in RAM price means that every other device gets impacted.
How can we help you mitigate this rise in price?
It’s better to rip the Band-Aid off now than later. There’s no expectation of these prices going back down anytime soon, but quite the opposite. As a result, we at Computer Clinic won’t be able to hold on to estimated pricing for any longer than a week, and if there’s a sudden spike in price, we will have to review it together before ordering your new equipment. With this being said, there are several ways in which we can assess you to get the best possible deal:
Constant Monitoring of prices
We have a number of suppliers at our disposal, and we are checking daily on them all for a better deal, which will reflect in us offering the best quality product at a fair cost, no price gouging with us.
A solution for every budget
Putting less than the minimum recommended amount of memory on a new device will undoubtedly lead to issues in the future, but we have other options. We will review your current setup, and when possible, upgrade your existing devices if that means getting an extra year of life out of them. We can also provide refurbished computers for lower workload requirements or entry-level desktops when required. We will review this case by case to provide the most comprehensive, cost-effective solution.
Conclusion
The RAM shortage is more than a global tech story; it’s a local business challenge. Proactive planning is essential. Upgrade strategically and implement cost-saving measures now to stay competitive in 2026 and beyond. Waiting could mean paying significantly more or falling behind in a rapidly digitizing market. At Computer Clinic, we're here to help at every step!