Key Takeaways
1. Laptop manufacturers are facing rising memory prices, which could disrupt plans for new models at CES 2026.
2. Companies are urgently securing DRAM supplies from major suppliers like Samsung, Micron, and SK Hynix to maintain prices.
3. Projected increases in DDR5 RAM costs could reach 45% by the end of 2026, significantly impacting laptop manufacturing expenses.
4. The AI sector’s demand for NAND memory is driving up SSD prices, contributing to overall cost pressures in laptop production.
5. Some companies, like Maingear, are adapting by encouraging customers to provide their own memory modules, but this may not lead to substantial savings.
CES 2026 is set to showcase a new wave of laptops for work and gaming from well-known brands like Lenovo and HP. However, the rising prices of memory could potentially disrupt their plans. A recent article in the Korean business paper, Chosun Biz, indicates that delays could be one of the solutions.
Pricing Pressures
To keep the MSRPs of their products from rising, laptop manufacturers are making urgent efforts to obtain more DRAM. According to sources from Chosun Biz, several companies have made preliminary agreements with major suppliers such as Samsung, Micron, and SK Hynix. Nevertheless, this might not stop DDR5 RAM costs from jumping a staggering 45% by the end of 2026.
Supply Chain Challenges
The situation worsens with the AI sector dominating the NAND market, leading to pricier SSDs that heighten the anxiety surrounding costs. TrendForce is cited in the report, projecting that memory and storage expenses could make up to 23% of the overall laptop manufacturing costs. An insider disclosed that one company is considering increasing the prices of its premium devices by as much as 30%.
Before this memory crisis, PC sales were on the rise, largely due to mandatory Windows 11 updates. However, this trend may soon reverse in 2026, as consumers might shy away from Lenovo laptops and options from their competitors. As the decline in sales becomes apparent, delaying product launches could be a way forward.
Industry Reactions
Other brands like Dell and Framework have already communicated upcoming price increases. Still, different companies are responding in various ways to the surge in memory costs. Asus was rumored to be looking into manufacturing its own DDR5 RAM but later refuted that.
Manufacturers lacking direct connections to the top three memory providers find themselves in a particularly risky position. For instance, Maingear, a U.S.-based company, is now suggesting that customers send in their own memory modules for custom builds. However, unless older parts are reused, this approach won’t offer significant savings to buyers.
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