RAM and hardware component prices are rising across the market.
- Laptop, Managing IT Costs
RAM & hardware price increases in 2026: What IT teams need to know.
RAM and key hardware component prices are rising across the global market. Organisations planning laptop refresh cycles in 2026 may be exposed to higher-than-expected costs.
Recent reports from TrendForce and Counterpoint Research show that contract prices for DRAM memory increased significantly towards the end of 2025 and continue to rise in Q1 2026. The upward pressure is being driven largely by unprecedented demand from AI data centres, which is tightening the global supply of memory used in business laptops and desktops.
For IT leaders and procurement teams, this isn’t just market noise – it has real budget implications.
Why are memory prices increasing?
1. AI data centre demand
AI model training and inference workloads require extremely high volumes of DRAM and high-bandwidth memory (HBM). Manufacturers are prioritising production for higher-margin AI and server-grade components, reducing availability of standard memory modules used in commercial devices.2. Supply reallocation
Following softer consumer PC demand in 2023–2024, some manufacturers adjusted production output. As enterprise demand stabilises and AI demand accelerates, supply is tightening faster than anticipated.
3. Component cost pass-through
OEMs such as Dell, Lenovo and HP are beginning to reflect higher memory costs in their device pricing. As contract prices rise, adjustments to MSRP and project quotes are becoming more common.What this means for 2026 IT refresh projects.
If you’re planning a device refresh or hardware upgrade programme in 2026, there are three key risks to consider:
Shorter quote validity
Pricing volatility means quotes may expire faster than usual. Delays in internal approval processes could lead to higher re-quoted costs.
Higher device pricing
Increases in memory costs can have a measurable impact on laptop and desktop pricing. On larger rollouts, even modest component increases can significantly affect total project spend.
Budget planning challenges
IT budgets set earlier in the financial year may no longer align with current market pricing. Without forward planning, projects may exceed forecasted allocations.How organisations are responding.
Forward-thinking IT teams are taking proactive steps to reduce exposure to market volatility:
- Forecasting hardware requirements earlier
- Securing pricing in advance where possible
- Scheduling staggered deliveries
- Monitoring availability across multiple manufacturers
How Officevision can help.
Lock in pricing
Secure today’s rates for future projects and protect your budget.
Next-day delivery
Eliminate lead-time anxiety with hardware ready to ship.
Deploy when needed
We act as your warehouse, shipping units when needed.
How it works.
2. We recommend suitable hardware options.
3. Pricing secured.
4. Deploy on demand: We ship the units to your office (or remote employees’ homes) exactly when you need them. Many of our customers use this approach to support onboarding programmes, office moves, and scheduled refresh cycles where timing and cost certainty matter.