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PC Market to Shrink by 9% Due to RAM Crisis

The intensifying RAM shortage due to AI technology focus since October 2025 could lead to a significant PC market drop by up to 9% in 2026, causing higher prices and difficulties for consumers.

Jonathan Dubinski · 2 min read

Rising RAM Shortage Forecasted to Contract PC Market by up to 9% in 2026

After a difficult year for RAM in 2025, the situation is expected to worsen in 2026. Limited RAM availability and increased costs will affect not only PCs but also consoles, smartphones, TVs, cars, and smart home devices. IDC now projects that the PC market may decline by as much as 9% this year, a significant adjustment from their December forecast of a 2.5% drop. Their most optimistic scenario still predicts a 5% decrease, which they attribute to the ongoing RAM shortage. This RAM crisis has been escalating since October of last year, with AI companies consuming the majority of available supply. Consequently, consumers are facing inflated prices for a wide range of products, from PCs to automobiles, similar to the supply chain disruptions seen during the early pandemic. Analysts predict this shortage will persist for years.

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