December 22, 2025
Still need to update some Windows 10 hardware or buy new servers? Our best advice is to make those purchases ASAP.
Manufacturers from Cisco to HP are sounding the alarm about a coming memory chip shortage that's predicted to drive up prices on everything from laptops and cellphones to medical equipment and cars. In this blog, we'll cover everything you need to know, and also what we're doing to help our clients in 2026 and beyond.
What's Causing the Memory Shortage?
The tech industry is facing a substantial supply chain issue that will impact nearly every piece of hardware that uses memory or storage. We're talking about laptops, desktops, servers, and even high-end networking equipment.
Here's the situation: Memory manufacturers have been redirecting their production capacity toward specialized chips used in artificial intelligence infrastructure. These newer, more complex products are more profitable, but the shift is creating a serious shortage of the standard memory and storage components that power everyday business technology.
This isn't speculation. Major manufacturers have issued warnings about what's ahead.
What Electronic Component Shortages Are Doing to Prices
Counterpoint Research predicts that memory module prices will likely rise 50% from current levels through Q2 2026, and most PC manufacturers are expected to raise their prices by 20% or more.
At Marco, we're already seeing price increases ranging from 15% to 60% depending on the specific component — DDR5 memory, DDR4 memory, SSDs, and NVMe drives are all affected.
Additional Challenges To Plan for in 2026
Our strategic partners are also telling us to expect longer lead times throughout 2026 and fewer options for custom builds. While that's frustrating to hear, there isn't much they can do about it. Some manufacturers are already reporting they may only receive half the components they need, even when they're willing to pay premium prices.
If you need specific configurations or have particular requirements, your options may be more limited as manufacturers prioritize standard builds to work within their supply limitations.
Our Recommendations
If you have any IT hardware purchases planned, now is the time to act. And when we say now, we mean before 2026 if at all possible. The memory chip shortage is a real, industry-wide challenge that will have a significant effect on upcoming technology purchases across the board.
Consider prioritizing:
- Laptop or desktop refreshes you've been planning
- Server upgrades or expansions
- Storage system purchases or capacity additions
Locking in pricing today could result in significant savings compared to waiting for a single month. Some manufacturers are already stockpiling components in anticipation of these constraints.
What We're Doing To Reduce the Impact on Our Clients
As a national technology provider, we're working closely with our strategic partners to secure the best possible pricing and product availability for our clients. Our scale and close relationships with manufacturers give us advantages in navigating supply challenges like these, and this isn't our first rodeo. During the pandemic, we made sure our print clients had access to the repair parts they needed, and we will do our best to provide the smoothest 2026 possible.
We're also monitoring this situation closely and maintaining constant communication with our vendors to understand availability and timing. If you're unsure about whether to move forward with a purchase or if you want to discuss your options, reach out! We can help you evaluate what makes sense for your specific situation and budget.
This isn't the kind of news anyone wants to deliver, but we believe in keeping our clients informed so you can make the best decisions for your business. 
