DDR5 memory upgrade shown in gaming laptop (Image source: Asus with edits)

Buyers may not see the usual number of new notebooks arrive in 2026. Contending with a historic memory shortage, Lenovo and HP are among the manufacturers who could delay shipments. As existing models remain on the market longer, higher-cost DRAM threatens to inflate laptop prices by 30%.

CES 2026 will once again feature new work and gaming laptops from brands like Lenovo and HP. However, record-setting memory prices could force the companies to shuffle their plans. A new report from the Korean business newspaper Chosun Biz reveals that delays are one option.

To avoid increasing the MSRPs of inventory, notebook makers have desperately tried to secure more DRAM. Sources told Chosun Biz that some manufacturers have signed preliminary contracts with Samsung, Micron, and SK Hynix. Even so, it won’t prevent DDR5 RAM prices from soaring 45% higher by the end of 2026.

Projected laptop price increases for 2026 (Image source: TrendForce, PC Mag)

With the AI industry also monopolizing NAND supplies, more expensive SSDs add to the concerns. The report quotes TrendForce, which projects that storage and memory prices will account for up to 23% of the cost of laptop materials. An insider revealed that one manufacturer plans to raise the prices of high-end models by as much as 30%.

Laptop sales may crash after a successful 2025

Before the memory shortage, PC sales had been on the upswing in part because of forced Windows 11 upgrades. That trend will likely reverse in 2026, as buyers avoid Lenovo laptops and alternatives from its rivals. Realizing a slowdown in purchases is inevitable, postponed launches are one potential outcome.

Other manufacturers, including Dell and Framework, have already announced impending price hikes. Yet, competitors have had slightly different responses to the higher memory prices. Asus reportedly was considering producing its own DDR5 RAM before denying the rumor.

Companies that have less direct access to the three memory giants are particularly vulnerable. The U.S.-based Maingear now encourages customers to mail in their own modules to complete custom builds. Yet, without recycling parts from older systems, that won’t result in significant savings for consumers.

Related Articles

Adam Corsetti - Tech Writer - 883 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2025

I became interested in technology at a young age and enjoyed discovering the latest innovations. While earning college degrees in publishing, I created several PC hardware and gaming websites. My passion has always been to guide readers on what products can truly improve their lives. After many years as a Tech Writer for Game Rant, I’m anxious to share my knowledge with a new audience at Notebookcheck.

Adam Corsetti, 2025-12-26 (Update: 2025-12-26)