Component Pricing
Ongoing coverage on Component Pricing.
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I've checked gaming PC deals every week for two years and I'm not exaggerating when I say there isn't a…
The PC gaming market is experiencing significant price increases across components, largely due to a global memory shortage and rising GPU costs. Deals that were considered good a year ago are now the norm, forcing prospective buyers to adjust their expectations. The ongoing AI boom's demand for computing silicon is also cited as a contributing factor to the current market conditions.
No Matter Which You Choose, Graphics Cards Are About To Get A Lot More Expensive
Graphics card prices are set to increase significantly, with both Nvidia and AMD implementing hikes of 20-30% and at least 10% respectively. This rise is attributed to increased demand and pricing from memory suppliers like Samsung. The price increases are expected to impact consumers as partners are unlikely to absorb the costs, and console manufacturers like Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony have already adjusted or are planning to adjust their own hardware prices.
PC price rises to slow this year, says Asus, though not in time for the Steam Machine launch
Asus anticipates only single-digit price increases for its PC products in the coming months due to falling component costs, a significant decrease from recent price hikes. While these adjustments are expected in the third quarter, the company acknowledges that consumer acceptance will limit the extent of any increases. This trend is likely to be reflected globally, despite the report's focus on the Taiwanese market.
Valve could not secure long-term contracts for Steam Machine memory components
Valve is facing challenges securing long-term contracts for memory components for the Steam Machine, leading to volatile pricing. This issue, similar to concerns raised about the Steam Deck's price increase, could impact the Steam Machine's final cost and availability. The high demand for components, driven partly by AI development, is a significant factor.
Steam Machine is here, starts at $1,049—sign up live for 512 GB/2 TB model, with optional Steam Controller
Valve has announced the pricing for its Steam Machine gaming PC, with models starting at $1,049 USD for a 512 GB version and $1,349 USD for a 2 TB version. Due to component shortages and price increases, Valve is implementing a randomized reservation system to manage limited launch quantities, with potential wait times extending into 2027.
As AI supply disruptions grip the market, almost two thirds of PC owners have no plans to upgrade
A survey of 1,500 PC owners indicates that approximately 60% have no plans to upgrade their systems in the next two years, largely due to surging component prices driven by AI demand. Prices for RAM, SSDs, and even older CPUs have significantly increased, making upgrades unaffordable for many.
As AI supply disruptions grip the market, almost two thirds of PC owners have no plans to upgrade
A survey of 1,500 PC owners indicates that nearly two-thirds have no plans to upgrade their systems in the next two years, largely due to soaring component prices driven by AI supply chain disruptions. RAM and SSD prices have seen significant increases, impacting the availability and affordability of PC hardware for consumers.
PCB prices have risen by up to 40% due to war in Iran, according to Reuters' industry sources
According to Reuters industry sources, the conflict in Iran has significantly impacted the supply of materials essential for Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), leading to price increases of up to 40%. The disruption stems from a halt in production of a critical base material used in PCB laminates, coupled with shipping challenges in the Strait of Hormuz. These factors, combined with existing demand from AI server companies, have contributed to rising prices for various PC components.
'In 10 years of tracking retail CPU sales, I have never seen such a steep decline,' says one tech channel…
Retail CPU sales data from German retailer Mindfactory shows a significant and unprecedented decline over the past 10 years, according to YouTube channel TechEpiphany. This trend is attributed to the high cost of components like RAM and SSDs, leading consumers to postpone full PC upgrades.
