Analysts and IT vendors are warning business owners that the cost of new computers, laptops, servers, and other IT hardware is set to rise sharply in 2026. Shortages of key components, combined with growing demand from AI data centres, are driving these increases. As a result, businesses will need to work closely with their IT support team to plan purchases carefully and manage budgets effectively.
Why Exactly Are Prices Increasing?
The primary driver behind these price rises is the increasing cost of key components, particularly memory such as RAM and SSD storage:
- RAM prices are expected to increase by 50-60% in early 2026, as manufacturers prioritise supply to AI and enterprise customers.
- SSD storage is also becoming more expensive, largely because AI data centres are purchasing it in vast quantities. SSDs are essential for PCs, laptops, servers, and mobile devices alike.
Much of this pressure comes from large AI and cloud providers buying huge volumes of high performance components. This leaves fewer parts available for standard business hardware, pushing prices higher. As a result, new PCs, laptops and servers are likely to cost considerably more this year than they did last year.
What Impact Will This Have on the Price of PCs, Laptops, and Other Hardware?
- Major manufacturers, including Dell, HP, Lenovo, Acer, and ASUS, have already increased prices by 15-20%.
- Analysts predict that average PC prices will rise by around 8% in 2026.
- Components such as graphics cards, enterprise SSDs, and AI-enabled CPUs are also seeing price increases.
Even smaller UK based suppliers are responding by raising prices or redesigning products to cope with higher component costs.
What Can You Do as a Business Owner?
To minimise the impact on your business, consider the following steps:
- Buy hardware sooner rather than later – prices may continue to rise throughout 2026.
- Consider previous generation hardware – it can still deliver good performance at a lower price
In the past, the cost of technology generally fell over time. Unfortunately, that trend appears to be changing. Rising AI demand and memory shortages mean that businesses must now plan for higher IT hardware costs in 2026 and beyond.
Your IT Support Team Can Help
If you need guidance on the best approach for your business, it’s always wise to consult your IT support team. They can help you assess your current hardware, recommend cost effective upgrades, and plan purchases strategically to reduce budget shocks.
Your IT support team will also ensure that any new hardware is compatible with your existing infrastructure and meets your business’s performance needs. By taking a proactive approach now, you can stay ahead of price increases, make informed decisions, and keep your business running smoothly throughout 2026 and beyond.
Data Computer Services is an experienced IT support company in Edinburgh, providing a wide range of IT services for businesses.