Why are PC prices increasing in 2026?

RAM prices have skyrocketed due to high demand from AI datacenters and supercomputers, impacting the cost of new PCs.

How much does the new Dell XPS 14 cost?

The new Dell XPS 14 starts at $2,050, reflecting the increased costs in the memory market.

What is AMD's prediction for PC builders in 2026?

AMD executive David McAfee predicts PC builders may focus on component upgrades rather than entirely new system builds due to RAM prices.

Home / Technology / AI Demands Gobble RAM, Hiking PC Prices into 2026

AI Demands Gobble RAM, Hiking PC Prices into 2026

9 Jan

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Summary

Dell's XPS 14 now starts at $2,050, a significant price increase.
AI supercomputers from NVIDIA and AMD are driving up RAM demand.
AMD executive suggests PC builders may opt for component upgrades over new systems.

AI Demands Gobble RAM, Hiking PC Prices into 2026

The consumer electronics industry is bracing for a challenging year, with experts predicting increased prices and reduced availability for PC components and systems. This outlook, highlighted at CES 2026, stems primarily from a dramatic surge in RAM prices over recent months. This escalation is directly linked to the immense demand from AI datacenters and the development of new AI supercomputers by major players like NVIDIA and AMD.

Dell's latest XPS 14 and XPS 16 laptops exemplify this trend, with the XPS 14 now starting at a steep $2,050, a significant jump from previous models. This price inflation is making entry-level systems more expensive than ever. Amidst this volatility, AMD's Corporate Vice President David McAfee suggested that PC builders, particularly gamers, might shift towards piecemeal component upgrades instead of full system replacements to manage costs, leveraging existing platforms like AM4 and AM5.