PC prices spiking as AI continues to change tech hardware
( NewsNation ) — It feels like artificial intelligence is changing everything about technology, including increases in PC prices.
Per PC Gamer , PC memory prices have spiked massively, and solid-state drives are expected to follow shortly. The developments come as a retailer in Japan has run out of PC memory kits and is restricting prices.
"The CEO of SSD controller specialist Phison has also recently warned of a shortage of NAND flash chips leading to a doubling of prices in the last six months, while predicting that demand will likely outstrip supply for several years to come," said the tech site.
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PC Part Picker notes that price trend graphs for certain PC memory over the last 18 months show substantial changes. The amount for a DDR4-3200 2x8GB from Aug. 2024 to Dec. 2025 increased from just under $60 to nearly $120. The DDR4-3600 2x8GB and DDR4-3000 2x16GB saw their prices shoot up $100, while the DDR4-3600 2x16GB had a $200 climb.
The DDR4-3200 2x32GB and DDR4-3600 2x32GB PCs experienced the largest spike, with costs increasing well over $500.
"SSD prices are still gently creeping up," added PC Gamer. "We haven't seen the same explosion that's eviscerated the RAM market. But prices are still getting on for double what they were earlier this summer."
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