Notebook Price Surge: RAM and CPU Costs Drive Up Retail Prices
Consumers looking to purchase a modern laptop in 2026 may face significantly higher prices, as rising costs for key components – particularly RAM and CPUs – are expected to drive up retail prices. TrendForce estimates that the retail price of a mainstream notebook, originally priced at $900, could increase by nearly 40%.
The Dual Impact of Rising Component Costs
The price hikes are a result of converging pressures on the supply chain. While desktop memory prices have seen some stabilization, laptop memory costs have surged rapidly. This increase, coupled with rising SSD and, crucially, CPU prices, is creating a perfect storm for notebook manufacturers.
CPU Supply Shortages Add to the Problem
The situation is further complicated by a temporary CPU supply shortfall. Intel, a major supplier of processors for entry-level and mainstream notebooks, has recently increased prices on its lower-end CPUs, and these supply shortages are expected to persist at least through March 2026. This impacts product planning and shipment timing for notebook brands.
BOM Cost Breakdown
TrendForce analysis indicates that RAM and CPUs typically account for around 45% of a notebook’s Bill of Materials (BOM) cost. With these prices increasing, that percentage could rise to as much as 58%. While the combined impact of RAM and SSD costs is smaller, representing approximately 15% of the BOM, the RAM-CPU pairing is the primary driver of the anticipated price increases.
Impact on Global Notebook Shipments
These rising costs are not only affecting prices but also projected shipment volumes. TrendForce forecasts that global notebook shipments will decline by 14.8% quarter-over-quarter in the first quarter of 2026, falling below initial brand expectations. Increased costs for PCBs, batteries, and PMICs are also contributing to this downturn.
Looking Ahead
Notebook manufacturers are facing uncertainty as they navigate these price surges and attempt to manage their overall BOM costs. The price increases are already being felt in the first quarter of 2026, and it remains unclear whether these higher prices will stabilize after the current quarter. Consumers should anticipate potentially significant price increases when purchasing a new notebook in the near future.
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