Chip shortages have come and gone over the past few years, usually tied to shipping delays or temporary manufacturing issues. However, what we’re seeing now with the 2026 memory shortage is different, and it’s starting to pose a real availability challenge.
In early 2026, prices for memory components like RAM and flash storage have risen significantly. This time around, the reason isn’t a sudden factory shut down or a logistics issue. It’s demand; specifically, demand driven by the rising AI infrastructure. Massive data centers that power artificial intelligence systems are consuming a growing share of the world’s memory supply, leaving less available for everyday business hardware like laptops, desktops, servers, and networking equipment.
These major manufacturers that supply memory chips are prioritizing high-margin products designed for AI workloads. From a business perspective, this makes sense for them. On the flip side, it means traditional IT hardware demand is now competing with AI’s demand for production. As a result, memory prices have jumped significantly and are expected to remain high well into next year as AI continues to grow.
For businesses like yours, this doesn’t mean memory is unavailable, but it does mean that IT purchases are changing. New computers and other hardware options may cost more than expected, and not every version of a computer, server, or device is equally available right now. Some manufacturers are limiting their memory options or delaying production to manage their costs. If your business is planning on a hardware upgrade and hoping prices will drop, you may be out of luck. We recommend making your IT purchases now before prices get even higher.
This shift will also affect how long equipment should stay in service. As replacement costs rise, businesses try to stretch the life of their existing systems, but this can only work up to a certain point. Older devices with limited memory will struggle with modern operating systems, security tools, and cloud-based applications. Performance issues, failed updates, and increased support needs are usually the first signs.
When memory becomes a bottleneck, the cost of keeping things running can quickly outweigh the cost of upgrading, even when prices are higher than normal. A trusted IT partner can help you evaluate which systems are nearing their limits, prioritize upgrades based on real business impact, and ensure you get the right hardware before availability shrinks further and costs climb even higher.
If you’re considering upgrades in the next 6-12 months, now is the best time to start planning. With no clear end in sight to ongoing shortages, waiting may only increase your risk and cost. The best time to buy was last year, but the second-best time is now. We can help you forecast needs, recommend the most cost-effective plans, and avoid costly emergency purchases as memory shortages intensify.
