The dramatic increase in RAM prices has inevitably impacted the sales of other components. Chinese sources report that system boards are the first to take the hit.
Major manufacturers, including Asus, MSI, and Gigabyte, are already noting a 40-50% drop in motherboard sales compared to the same period last year. Typically, there is a surge in sales closer to the Christmas season, but the market is currently behaving quite differently. System boards are not being purchased because people are refraining from buying new PCs or platforms due to the exorbitantly priced RAM.
Impact on Other Components
Previously, it was reported that some sellers in Asia were willing to sell RAM only bundled with motherboards. However, this strategy does not seem to be yielding positive results. A similar trend is expected soon in the processor market. Although the decline may be less severe since replacing a CPU is sometimes practical without changing the platform and/or RAM, those who had planned to buy a completely new PC and have now reconsidered are not only forgoing RAM and motherboards but also CPUs.
Wider Industry Trends
Interestingly, as global chip shortages persist, there is a growing concern over supply chain disruptions affecting holiday sales. The tech industry is particularly vulnerable during this period as consumer electronics remain a sought-after gift choice. Despite the challenges, some industry experts indicate a potential stabilization by early 2026, assuming there are no further disruptions in the supply chain or additional price hikes.
