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Global PC shipments fell 21.2% year on year in the third quarter of 2026, according to Omdia figures cited by Ubergizmo. The report attributes the decline to rising component costs and weaker demand, linking the memory squeeze to manufacturers prioritising AI data-centre hardware.
Why it mattersIt says some high-capacity DDR5 memory kits have surged in price, while major PC makers also recorded sharp shipment declines. That is a useful reminder that the AI build-out has costs beyond power and GPUs: the scramble for memory may be reaching ordinary computer buyers too. How much of the slump comes from AI-driven supply pressure, rather than weaker demand or other market shifts, remains an open question.
Discuss: Should chipmakers prioritise memory for AI infrastructure, or protect supply and prices for everyday PCs?
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