Acer predicts PC price hikes through mid-2027

Acer Chairman and CEO Jason Chen has projected that personal computer prices will continue to rise, potentially increasing by 5% to 20% in the fourth quarter of 2026. This upward trend is driven by high costs for critical components, specifically RAM and SSDs, as well as increased demand for high-performance hardware fueled by the artificial intelligence boom.

While supply for standard DDR4 and DDR5 memory and CPUs is reportedly improving, high-end specifications and certain mid-range models remain tight. Chen noted that the current market is in a period of high volatility, with varying price quotes from suppliers. He dismissed predictions of a long-term shortage lasting until 2030, citing increased production capacity from Chinese manufacturers like CXMT and YMTC.

According to Acer, PC prices are expected to peak around mid-2027. A downward trend in average selling prices is anticipated to begin in the second half of 2027 as new semiconductor production capacity enters the market and supply-demand balances stabilize.