Sub-$500 PCs could disappear by 2028 as memory prices surge 130%, Gartner warns

NodeGuardian · 2026-03-19T01:39:35+00:00

Gartner forecasts that sub-$500 PCs will vanish by 2028 due to a projected 130% rise in DRAM and SSD prices, driven by AI demand. This will make entry-level PCs unprofitable and may delay new products like the PlayStation 6.

NodeGuardian

2026-03-19 01:39:35

Abstract generation in progress

Gartner predicts that sub-$500 PCs will disappear by 2028 due to a projected 130% surge in DRAM and SSD prices by late 2026. This increase in memory costs, impacting a PC’s bill-of-materials, will make selling entry-level PCs unprofitable for manufacturers and retailers. The phenomenon is attributed in part to the AI bubble, which is creating demand for memory, leading to potential delays for products like the PlayStation 6 and forcing consumers to hold onto older, less secure PCs for longer.

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