tech
January 14, 2026
The RAM shortage’s silver lining: Less talk about “AI PCs”
“General interest in AI PCs has been wavering for a while…”
TL;DR
- RAM and flash memory chip prices have increased significantly due to AI-driven data center demand.
- PC memory and storage costs rose by 40-70% in 2025, with further increases and lower RAM specs expected for 2026.
- Global PC shipments saw growth in 2025, but sales are predicted to be more volatile in 2026.
- PC manufacturers are expected to pass increased component costs to consumers through higher prices and reduced memory configurations.
- Consumer interest in "AI PCs" has been limited, with many finding the on-device AI message unconvincing or confusing.
- The RAM shortage may lead PC companies to scale back on AI PC emphasis and focus on proving a relevant purpose for these devices.
- Companies like Dell have shifted marketing away from AI PCs towards other features like build, battery life, and display quality.
- Recent reports suggest internal disappointment at Microsoft regarding the consumer version of Copilot.
- RAM price stability is not expected to return until 2027.