The global shortage of computer memory is starting to reshape the PC market in a way consumers are likely to notice when they buy ready-made desktops and laptops. Manufacturers of prebuilt systems are facing tighter supplies of both RAM and traditional storage components, and that strain is now expected to influence what machines look like straight out of the box. Rather than offering generous memory configurations as standard, some vendors may begin shipping new PCs with smaller quantities of RAM or relying on slower storage options just to keep costs manageable and inventory moving.
At the heart of this shift is an ongoing imbalance between demand and production capacity. Memory chips, especially the type used for system memory (DRAM), are in higher demand than factories can currently supply. Much of that demand comes from data centers and artificial-intelligence infrastructure, where powerful servers gobble up memory at a pace far beyond typical consumer needs. With production capacity stretched thin and prioritization given to high-value buyers, PC makers are finding themselves further down the queue and struggling to secure enough modules for mainstream products.
For shoppers, this could mean that new computers may come with less RAM than buyers once expected for a given price point. Instead of seeing 16 GB or more as a standard, some systems may ship with 8 GB as the baseline, or include smaller solid-state drives to save on costs and available inventory. This trend may be especially noticeable in budget and mid-range models, where manufacturers have less flexibility to absorb rising memory costs without passing them on to the consumer.
The effects extend beyond simple capacity numbers. When memory supplies are tight, manufacturers may also change the type of components they install, favoring configurations that make production simpler even if they offer slower performance. For example, a machine might use more modest memory speeds or choose entry-level SSDs over faster alternatives. While these changes won’t render computers unusable, they could shift expectations for out-of-the-box performance and leave buyers making upgrades sooner than they planned.
Experts warn that the memory shortage is not a quick problem. Building new wafer fabs — the factories that produce DRAM and flash storage — takes years and billions of dollars, meaning supply won’t catch up overnight. Until then, the market will continue to prioritize customers willing to pay premium prices for large quantities of chips, leaving everyday PCs to make do with what’s available. This reality could have a ripple effect: higher prices, reduced performance specs on entry systems, and greater demand for aftermarket upgrades as users seek to boost their machines after purchase.
Despite these challenges, manufacturers are trying to strike a balance. Some are working with suppliers to secure long-term commitments for memory components, while others are redesigning product lines to make better use of limited inventory. For consumers, staying informed about what’s in a PC — especially the amount and type of memory — will become more important than ever when comparing systems and planning future upgrades.
