Dell’s XPS 14 is currently listed over $2,000. An AMD executive predicts that PC makers may focus on minor upgrades this year instead of building entirely new machines. The arrival of advanced AI supercomputers from NVIDIA and AMD is greatly influencing the RAM market. The CES 2026 event revealed a tough year ahead for the computing industry, foreseeing rising prices and limited availability of consumer products.
This scenario reinforces previous warnings about increasing RAM costs driven by demand from AI data centers. Wonjin Lee, marketing head at Samsung, discussed challenges regarding semiconductor supply affecting all sectors, suggesting prices will keep rising. Initially, Dell’s new XPS models were expected to be more affordable, but the XPS 14 is now starting at $2,050, with the XPS 16 at $2,200. Although a Dell representative mentioned that these aren’t entry-level options, more budget-friendly choices under $2,000 are expected soon.
It’s notable that to upgrade older models to over $2,000 requires just minimal adjustments, leaving customers longing for lower-cost alternatives at launch. Meanwhile, Apple prices its 14-inch MacBook Pro at $1,599, positioning Dell as the cheaper alternative to the $2,499 MacBook Pro 16-inch. For desktops, AMD’s David McAfee highlighted that the sustainability of AM4 and AM5 platforms allows for CPU upgrades without the need for new RAM kits, hinting that 2026 might see a trend of component upgrades instead of complete system overhauls.
McAfee pointed out that performance gains can be achieved by switching to newer processors, despite many gamers sticking with older models. While recognizing that no product is safe from the erratic DRAM pricing recently, he expects corrections during the year’s first half. The growing demand for memory, especially from the AI sector, is evident, with NVIDIA unveiling powerful AI supercomputers at CES, suggesting strong ongoing demand for such systems. Overall, the memory supply is mainly directed toward AI applications, leading to challenges for consumers regarding PC prices and availability.
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