The tech world is bracing for a wave of price increases in PC products, as manufacturers like Acer and ASUS respond to escalating DRAM supply constraints. This shift is largely driven by the increasing demand from the AI sector, which has significantly impacted DRAM production lines. As a result, both enterprise and consumer PCs are feeling the pinch of these supply chain challenges.
Acer’s Strategy Amid Memory Shortages
Reports suggest that Acer is looking to adjust RAM configurations to cope with the ongoing memory shortages. In recent developments, Dell has already set the stage by preparing to hike product prices, affecting both base prices and RAM upgrades. Acer and ASUS are expected to follow suit, potentially impacting the pricing of their PC products. Acer’s Chairman, Jason Chen, has highlighted the complexities of the upcoming quarters, citing a 50% surge in DRAM prices in a matter of weeks, which has increased the Bill of Materials (BoM) across Acer’s product lines.
Acer is focusing on maintaining a diverse product portfolio to withstand the impact of supply chain disruptions. Despite these efforts, the company acknowledges that it cannot completely shield itself from rising costs, as the supply chain landscape continues to evolve rapidly.
Shifting to 8 GB Baseline Configurations
In light of the current DRAM shortage, sources have indicated that companies might shift towards 8 GB as the standard configuration for mid-range laptops. Acer’s CEO has echoed this sentiment, considering it a viable tactic against the DRAM crunch without significantly raising prices. As the PC industry navigates these turbulent times, consumers may face a challenging period of uncertainty and price increases.