Surprise Surge in PC Shipments Despite RAM Shortages

PC Market Outlook for 2026: Navigating Turbulent Waters

The PC market is facing a challenging year ahead, but the recent holiday quarter saw shipments surpass expectations. According to IDC, shipments grew by almost 10 percent year-over-year in the fourth quarter of 2025, totaling 76.4 million units.

Microsoft’s decision to end support for Windows 10 played a significant role in driving up PC shipments. Additionally, PC manufacturers have been proactively building up inventory to mitigate potential tariffs and address the global memory shortage.

The surge in demand during the late months of 2025 was further fueled by emerging memory shortages, prompting both buyers and brands to secure inventory ahead of anticipated price hikes in 2026, as per IDC.

Shortages in RAM and NAND / SSD prices have escalated in recent months due to the high demand from AI data centers. Leading PC manufacturers like Lenovo and HP have been hoarding memory supplies, but these reserves are expected to deplete in the coming months, potentially leading to price increases and alterations in PC configurations.

Jean Philippe Bouchard, IDC’s research vice president, anticipates that PC memory specifications may be downgraded on average to conserve existing inventory amidst the looming memory shortage. The year ahead is predicted to be marked by significant volatility in the PC market.

IDC foresees a rise in the average selling prices of PCs in 2026 as manufacturers pivot towards midrange and premium systems to offset the mounting memory costs. This trend indicates an AI-driven upheaval in the PC market for the entirety of 2026. For individuals considering a new PC purchase, it is advisable to act sooner rather than later this year.