I convey extra unhealthy information in regards to the worth of GPUs and different PC gaming {hardware} in 2026. MSI defined that resulting from continued shortages of DRAM, a few of its gaming merchandise might improve by as a lot as 30 % this 12 months. On March 13, as noticed by The Gamer and initially reported by Taiwan’s United Each day Information, MSI normal supervisor Huang Jinqing advised buyers throughout an earnings name that it plans to lift costs on gaming {hardware} by 15 to 30 % over 9 months.
It’s anticipated that these worth will increase will primarily have an effect on MSI’s lower-end and extra inexpensive gaming {hardware} choices, as the corporate is slicing again on producing these cheaper parts. As an alternative, MSI plans to redistribute these assets to mid-range and high-end GPUs and {hardware}. Huang advised buyers that clients are already exhibiting a willingness to pay extra. The plan is to cost extra and sells much less to offset fewer produced and shipped merchandise in 2026. Jinqing blamed the rising costs on ongoing shortages of DRAM, AI hyperscalers shopping for up all out there reminiscence, and a low provide of Nvidia GPU parts. These are the identical issues resulting in different {hardware} makers elevating costs or delaying releases, like Valve, Xbox, and Intel.
“This 12 months is probably the most difficult 12 months for the reason that firm was based,” Huang advised buyers throughout the earnings name, as reported by United Each day Information. Blame AI tech giants for top costs In line with MSI’s normal supervisor, a 16GB module value $40 final 12 months. Now it prices $170 or extra. Huang advised buyers that MSI holds about two months of reminiscence stock and is working to safe mult-year contracts with different {hardware} makers to keep away from having to pay excessive costs to satisfy future demand. MSI at the moment initiatives that resulting from provide points, the PC market will contract by 10 to twenty %.
This isn’t going to assist the alreay horrible (and getting worse) RAM-aggedon, which has seen PC and tech {hardware} costs proceed to extend week after week as corporations like Nvidia and Micron focus an increasing number of on supplying corporations like Microsoft, Meta, and Google who’re all racing to construct AI datacenters throughout the nation utilizing most of the components wanted to make superior gaming GPUs and RAM. Even MSI isn’t ignoring the AI market, with Huang telling buyers that MSI is investing an additional $20 billion NTD (round $625,786,200 USD) in constructing a brand new AI server facility.
