Acer Chairman and CEO Jason Chen is challenging warnings that the memory shortage could persist until 2030. He says DDR4 and DDR5 supply is healthier than industry messaging suggests, although elevated component costs could push PC prices up another 5% to 20% in late 2026. Relief may arrive in mid-2027.
Key takeaways
- Acer expects PC prices to rise 5% to 20% in the fourth quarter of 2026.
- Prices could peak around mid-2027 before declining later that year.
- Chen says DDR4 and DDR5 supply is broadly available, with shortages concentrated in select products.
- Growing Chinese memory capacity could add pressure to pricing.
- AI demand, SSD costs, and supplier pricing remain significant risks for PC builders.
Acer disputes the 2030 shortage forecast
Chen reportedly described it as impossible for the memory shortage to continue until 2030. He said supply for mainstream DDR4 and DDR5 memory is relatively strong, while processor availability has also improved apart from certain entry-level and mid-range models.
The comments contrast with warnings from memory manufacturers and other industry executives, who expect AI data centers to keep absorbing DRAM and high-bandwidth memory capacity for years. Chen suggested that suppliers may be emphasizing extended shortages partly to protect profit margins.
PC prices may get worse before they improve
Despite his more optimistic supply outlook, Chen does not expect immediate savings for consumers. Acer forecasts average PC prices could increase between 5% and 20% during the fourth quarter of 2026. Prices may continue climbing into 2027, reaching a peak around the middle of the year before gradually falling in the second half.
The impact will vary by system. Gaming PCs and laptops with large memory configurations or high-capacity SSDs are likely to be more exposed because DRAM and NAND storage represent a larger share of their bill of materials. Acer also noted continuing increases affecting SSDs, printed circuit boards, and fiberglass materials used in motherboards.
Chinese production could reshape memory pricing
Additional capacity from Chinese manufacturers could become an important factor in the market. Acer, HP, and Asus have reportedly used CXMT memory in some products, while Lenovo systems have appeared with YMTC SSDs. Expanding output from those companies could give PC manufacturers more purchasing options and challenge the pricing power of established suppliers.
However, new capacity must still reach sufficient volume and consistent yields before it can materially change global pricing. AI infrastructure demand also remains a major variable, particularly for advanced memory products that compete for manufacturing resources.
What PC buyers should expect
Chen’s forecast offers a possible timeline for stabilization, not a guarantee that prices will return to pre-shortage levels. Component costs typically reach finished desktops and laptops with a delay because manufacturers purchase parts and plan product lines months in advance.
For ThinkComputers readers planning a new gaming rig or upgrade, the near-term outlook remains expensive. Buyers who need a system soon may want to compare completed builds and component pricing carefully, while those able to wait could benefit if supply expands and PC prices begin declining after mid-2027.
Via UDN