The Memory Crisis Is Pushing Prices Up—And Acer Looks Like the Next Brand to Raise Costs

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PC Pricing • Memory Market • Buying Guide

The Memory Crisis Is Pushing Prices Up—And Acer Looks Like the Next Brand to Raise Costs

The Memory Crisis Is Pushing Prices Up—And Acer Looks Like the Next Brand to Raise Costs

DRAM and NAND pricing is surging, and the squeeze is already showing up in laptops, desktops, RAM, and SSDs. Multiple brands have already moved on pricing or warned customers. Now Acer has signaled a near-term price revision window.

Updated: February 15, 2026
Read time: ~12–15 minutes
Topic: RAM/SSD costs → PC pricing

Quick answer (for readers skimming)

  • Why prices are rising: DRAM (RAM) and NAND (SSD flash) costs are spiking as supply tightens and higher-margin demand (especially data centers) dominates.
  • What’s changing with Acer: Acer’s Japan-facing messaging indicates pricing on PC products sold via its official online store may be revised starting February 20, 2026, with purchases at current prices available until February 19 (some products may be unchanged).
  • What you should do: If you’re buying soon, prioritize 16GB+ RAM, watch for config “spec trims”, and choose models with upgradeable RAM/SSD when possible.

What we know about Acer’s possible price revision

Consumers usually notice PC price changes after the fact—when a favorite laptop configuration quietly gets more expensive, a once-common discount stops appearing, or the “sweet spot” model vanishes from stock and doesn’t come back. This time, however, the early signal is more direct: Acer’s Japan-facing Predator social messaging indicates that PC product pricing on its official online store may be revised starting February 20, 2026, citing rising costs for major components—specifically memory and SSDs. Purchases at current prices are indicated as available until February 19, and the notice also suggests that some products may remain unchanged.

What we know vs. what we don’t

  • Known: Acer’s messaging explicitly points to rising memory and SSD costs, gives a date window, and notes that some products may not change.
  • Not confirmed publicly (yet): Which exact SKUs move first, how large the increases are, and whether the change rolls out globally or remains region-specific.
  • Practical implication: Even if you don’t see a universal “MSRP hike,” you should expect a mix of: selective price increases, weaker promotions, and more aggressive spec reshuffling in memory-heavy configurations.

Important nuance: an “official store” price revision in one region does not automatically mean every retailer worldwide raises prices the same day. But component costs are global inputs. If DRAM and NAND pricing pressure is strong enough, OEMs typically respond across markets—sometimes immediately via MSRP, sometimes indirectly through fewer promotions, and sometimes by changing the configuration ladder so that the same sticker price buys less RAM or less SSD.

This is why Acer’s timing matters even if you’re not buying in Japan: it’s a market signal that the cost environment is forcing OEM decisions now—not “sometime later,” not “maybe next quarter,” but in the immediate purchasing window.

Why the “memory crisis” is hitting now

In PC terms, “memory” usually means two different things: DRAM (your system RAM—DDR4/DDR5 in laptops and desktops) and NAND flash (the storage chips inside SSDs). When both DRAM and NAND costs rise together, the impact is unusually broad because nearly every modern device is effectively a bundle of compute + memory + storage.

The headline driver: pricing power has swung back to memory suppliers

Recent market forecasts highlight how sharp the current move is. Trend-focused reporting on contract pricing has pointed to a dramatic quarter-over-quarter surge in conventional DRAM contract pricing and a major jump in NAND pricing as well. In plain English: the chips that determine how much RAM and SSD capacity you can buy per peso/dollar are getting more expensive, fast—and that pushes OEM bill-of-materials costs up across laptop and desktop lines.

What the numbers suggest (and why they matter)

Multiple reports referencing market surveys point to DRAM contract-price increases approaching “near-doubling” territory in early 2026, with NAND also seeing outsized increases. When contract pricing jumps this aggressively, OEMs face a simple math problem: either margins compress, or prices rise, or configurations get trimmed—or all three.

Why AI demand matters even if you’re “just buying a laptop”

It’s tempting to assume that AI only affects GPUs. In reality, AI infrastructure consumes huge volumes of memory and storage: servers need large DRAM footprints and high-capacity SSDs for training data, inference pipelines, and logs. When hyperscalers and data centers lock in allocations, they pull supply toward higher-margin enterprise demand. Consumer markets can still buy memory—but often at higher prices, with less flexibility, and with longer lead times.

That dynamic creates a ripple effect: higher enterprise demand tightens supply, supply tightness raises contract prices, contract prices raise OEM component costs, and OEM component costs eventually surface as retail price increases or weaker value per configuration.

Why this feels worse than the “usual” memory cycle

Memory markets have always been cyclical. What’s different about this moment is the combination of (1) strong structural demand from data centers, (2) conservative supply behavior and capacity planning, and (3) the fact that PCs are now sold as “memory-defined” devices. The difference between 8GB and 16GB RAM, or 512GB and 1TB SSD, is no longer a minor upsell—it’s the difference between a machine that feels modern and one that feels cramped within a year.

When memory becomes both more expensive and more essential, price pressure doesn’t just show up in high-end “flagship” PCs. It hits mainstream models first—because mainstream buyers are the most price sensitive, and OEMs are more likely to protect the sticker price by trimming specs.

How price hikes actually show up (even before MSRP changes)

If you’re watching PC pricing in 2026, don’t look only at the headline MSRP. Brands have multiple levers they can pull to “raise prices” without triggering the psychological alarm of a bigger number on the product page. Here are the most common patterns—and how to spot them.

1) Spec trimming: same price, less RAM/SSD

This is the stealthiest move. A laptop line that used to start at 16GB/512GB quietly shifts to 8GB/512GB or 16GB/256GB. The model name stays the same; the “from” price stays similar; the value drops. If your favorite configuration disappears, it’s often because the OEM is rebalancing the memory BOM.

2) Promotion thinning: fewer discounts, weaker bundles

When component costs rise, brands often reduce promo frequency before they raise MSRP. You’ll still see “sale” tags, but the discount depth shrinks or the best deals are limited to outdated specs. Bundled accessories (free mouse, headset, extended warranty promos) become rarer.

3) Configuration ladder reshuffling

OEMs sometimes keep the entry model cheap, then push real value into pricier tiers. For example, the “base” stays at 8GB, while 16GB becomes a bigger jump—priced more like a premium upgrade than a sensible baseline. If RAM upgrade pricing looks irrational, it’s often because the OEM is protecting margins under memory inflation.

4) Channel segmentation: official store vs retail partners

Sometimes the official store moves first because it’s easiest to adjust and communicates the brand’s intended pricing direction. Retail partners may lag if they’re selling through existing inventory or waiting for new shipments priced at a higher wholesale cost. This is why a “price revision” announcement can matter even if you still see old pricing in other channels—for a short time.

Buyer alert: watch the “effective value,” not just the tag

In a memory-driven price environment, the best question isn’t “Did MSRP go up?” It’s: How much RAM/SSD do I get per peso today vs. last month? Track RAM and SSD capacity in the spec sheet like you track price.

Who has already raised prices or warned customers

Acer wouldn’t be stepping into a calm market. Over the past few months, multiple brands and builders have either announced price adjustments, published unusually transparent “here’s why this costs more now” updates, or issued blunt warnings that pricing and availability may worsen. These aren’t identical moves—but together they point to the same reality: memory and storage costs are forcing decisions.

Framework: unusually transparent about RAM pricing

Framework has published regular updates explaining that DDR5 pricing has climbed into a range where even an OEM selling close to cost ends up looking expensive—because the upstream market itself is expensive. They’ve talked openly about per-GB pricing and encouraged some DIY buyers to source memory elsewhere when it’s cheaper. That level of transparency is rare—and it’s a strong signal that memory volatility is not a minor fluctuation.

ASUS: select price increases tied to RAM and storage costs

ASUS has been cited in reports describing price hikes on select product portfolios, explicitly tying the move to cost pressure from RAM and storage components. Whether you buy an ultraportable or a gaming system, the same two line items show up: DRAM and NAND are not “small parts” anymore—they’re major cost drivers.

Lenovo and industry voices: “buy sooner” warnings

Some executives and coverage have gone beyond vague cost language and offered direct buying guidance: if you need hardware soon, don’t assume prices will be better later. These warnings often emphasize that availability can become as painful as price—because tight supply can force backorders or reduce configuration choices.

System builders and boutique vendors: inventory shields don’t last forever

Boutique builders sometimes hold pricing while they burn through older inventory. But once they restock at higher cost, the new pricing lands quickly. If you’re shopping prebuilts, pay attention to “limited stock” notices and sudden shifts in RAM/SSD standard configurations.

What this pattern means for Acer

When multiple brands adjust pricing around the same time—and cite the same components—it’s rarely coincidence. It’s usually a shared supply and contract-cost environment. Acer’s signaling fits the broader pattern: memory and SSD costs are becoming too large to absorb quietly.

What buyers should do in 2026

There’s no single “perfect” strategy because your best move depends on your timeline, your budget, and whether you can upgrade later. But in a memory-driven market, there are clear principles that protect you from overpaying or ending up with a machine that ages poorly.

If you’re buying in the next 30 days: lock value, not just a brand

  • Prioritize 16GB RAM (or more) as a practical baseline. If a model is 8GB soldered, treat it as a short-term device unless your workload is very light.
  • Watch the SSD tier. 512GB is livable; 1TB is the new comfort zone for many users. But don’t pay a ridiculous OEM premium if the SSD is upgradeable.
  • Compare “same price, different month” listings. If a listing looks familiar, confirm the RAM/SSD capacities didn’t change.
  • Buy the configuration you actually need. Waiting “for the next sale” is riskier when promos are thinning and costs are rising.

If you can buy later: choose upgrade paths

If you’re not purchasing immediately, the safest hedge is upgradeability: choose laptops with accessible SODIMM slots (when available) and standard M.2 SSD slots. Even if memory prices stay volatile, upgradeable systems let you time the market and avoid paying the steepest OEM markup.

Best-case scenario

You buy a laptop with 16GB RAM and a decent SSD at a fair price before the next round of spec trimming or price revisions. You’re insulated from short-term memory volatility.

Worst-case scenario

You buy an 8GB base model thinking you’ll “just upgrade later,” but the RAM is soldered, and the same model line becomes more expensive while staying under-spec’d. You pay twice: once in price, again in frustration.

RAM vs SSD: what should you prioritize?

If you must choose where to spend:

  • Prioritize RAM if you multitask, use many browser tabs, run creative apps, or want the machine to feel “fast” longer.
  • Prioritize SSD capacity if you work with large files, games, video, or you keep everything locally—especially if cloud storage isn’t reliable for you.
  • But prioritize upgradeability above both when budgets are tight. A slightly smaller SSD today is fine if you can upgrade later.

How to spot value traps in listings

  • “Same model name” does not guarantee same specs. Always expand the spec details.
  • Look for soldered RAM warnings. If RAM is soldered, buy enough upfront.
  • Beware “premium upgrades” on memory. OEM RAM pricing can be disproportionately expensive during shortages.
  • Check the exact SSD type. Some lower-tier configurations quietly ship slower storage.

A practical rule that saves money

In a memory crunch, the best “deal” is often the configuration that gives you enough RAM today—because the cost of being under-specced is not just performance, it’s replacement sooner than you planned.

Signals to watch over the next 30–90 days

If you’re tracking whether this market tightens further—or cools—watch these signals. They matter more than social media rumors and more than one-off retail listings.

1) Contract pricing updates (DRAM + NAND)

When industry surveys and contract-price expectations move sharply, OEM pricing follows with a lag. If forecasts continue pointing upward, expect more “select portfolio” price increases and more aggressive spec trimming.

2) OEM messaging: “official store” notices, portfolio revisions, and purchasing deadlines

When brands provide purchase cutoffs (“buy before this date to get current prices”), that’s a strong sign pricing decisions have already been made internally and are simply waiting for the effective date.

3) Configuration availability: disappearing sweet spots

The clearest consumer signal is often the simplest: the 16GB/512GB model you actually want becomes harder to find, while 8GB base models remain plentiful. That’s not random. It’s the market telling you where the cost pressure is landing.

4) Promo behavior: shallower discounts, fewer “stackable” deals

A market under cost pressure doesn’t always raise MSRP immediately. It often reduces discount depth first. If you notice that major seasonal sales don’t bring the same value, it’s usually because OEMs can’t afford to subsidize promotions while memory costs are elevated.

FAQ

Sources & further reading

For readers who want to verify the market signals and dig deeper, here are primary and widely referenced summaries:

Publish-ready SEO snippet

Suggested Search Description (Blogger): DRAM and NAND costs are surging, pushing laptop and desktop prices higher through 2026. Multiple brands have already adjusted pricing or warned customers. Acer now signals a price revision window tied to rising memory and SSD costs—here’s what it means and how to buy smart.

Suggested Tags: RAM prices, SSD prices, DRAM, NAND, laptop price increase, PC market 2026, Acer pricing, memory shortage

Bottom line

The story here isn’t “one brand getting greedy.” It’s a supply-and-cost environment where memory and SSD components have become powerful price drivers again—so powerful that multiple companies have already adjusted pricing or issued direct warnings. Acer’s signal fits that pattern, and whether the change starts locally or expands, buyers should treat the next few months as a period where value can shift quickly.

If you’re shopping soon, the best protection is simple: buy enough RAM, avoid soldered under-specced configs, and track the spec sheet as closely as the price tag. In a memory crisis, the “real deal” is often the system that stays modern the longest.

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