The surging demand for artificial intelligence (AI) is now directly impacting the cost of laptops and desktop computers. A global shortage of PC memory, specifically RAM, is driving prices upward as AI companies aggressively secure these components for their expanding data centers. This isn’t just about server farms; it means consumers will soon pay more for the same hardware.
The Supply Chain Strain
AI models require vast amounts of memory to operate effectively. As AI development accelerates, these companies are consuming RAM and storage at an unprecedented rate, reducing availability for traditional PC manufacturers. Dell is already planning price increases of 15-20% starting in December, while Lenovo confirms similar adjustments will follow at the start of the new year. Other major vendors are expected to respond in kind, making this a widespread trend. The underlying issue is that AI’s growth creates a bottleneck in component availability, forcing consumers to absorb the costs.
What Buyers Should Do Now
If you’re in the market for a new laptop, experts recommend acting immediately. Waiting will almost certainly mean paying more.
Here’s a breakdown of the best strategies:
- Buy Now If Possible: If you have the budget and need a new machine, purchase before the end of the year to lock in current prices. By the time the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) rolls around in January, the price hikes will be in full effect.
- Maximize RAM Configuration: Most laptops now feature soldered RAM, meaning you cannot upgrade it later. If you can afford 32GB or 64GB, do it now. This is especially critical because post-purchase upgrades will become significantly more expensive. For gaming laptops with user-replaceable RAM, filling all available DIMM slots during configuration is also a wise move.
Recommended Laptops Before Prices Rise
To help consumers make informed decisions, here are five laptops that currently offer strong value and upgrade options:
- HP OmniBook 5 14: A thin and light laptop with a stylish design and OLED display, configurable with up to 32GB of RAM.
- Asus Zenbook A14: Similar to the OmniBook, this model offers a Qualcomm Snapdragon X series processor and exceptional battery life, already available with 32GB of RAM.
- Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 10: A gaming laptop with a high-resolution OLED display and stable pricing (currently $1,569 at Newegg) – but that may not last.
- Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition: Considered by some reviewers as near-perfect, Lenovo’s top-tier two-in-one offers a flexible design and strong performance.
- 15-inch Apple MacBook Air (M4): Offers an optimal balance between screen size and portability, powered by Apple’s efficient M4 processor, and configurable with up to 32GB of RAM.
The AI boom is reshaping the tech market in real-time. Consumers must adapt by making timely purchasing decisions and prioritizing configurations that maximize RAM capacity. Failure to do so will result in higher prices and limited upgrade options.
