- By Alex David
- Mon, 08 Dec 2025 03:01 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
We’re heading into the final stretch of 2025, and for anyone planning a new PC build, the timing couldn’t be worse. PC component prices, especially RAM and SSDs, have surged sharply over the past few months, and there’s little indication of relief anytime soon. Memory that once felt affordable has now doubled or even tripled in price, pushing entire builds well beyond earlier budgets. What’s worse is that CPUs and GPUs are expected to get more expensive until at least 2026. If you’re wondering whether to build now, wait or scrap your plan altogether, we’ve got a clear breakdown of what’s happening and what makes sense next.
RAM and SSD Prices Have Exploded
The most visible impact has been on memory and storage. RAM kits that earlier sold in the Rs 2,000–3,000 range are now often priced at Rs 6,000–7,000. Similarly, 1TB NVMe SSDs that once offered great value are now selling for prices as high as Rs 14,000. On top of higher prices, availability has also taken a hit, with many popular models frequently going out of stock on platforms like Amazon.
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The result is simple: budget PC builds that previously fit into an Rs 30,000 bracket can now easily cross Rs 38,000–40,000 without any meaningful upgrades in performance.
Why Prices Are Rising So Fast
The real reason behind these is AI. Enormous demand from AI data centres, cloud vendors, and enterprises has forced DRAM and NAND construction off in the direction of commercial gear. This impacts people all over the world: memory chips of this type are only produced at scale by three companies, Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron. As they target high-margin AI and servers orders, consumer supply tightens and prices go crazy globally.
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Adding to the pressure, Micron has decided to wind down its consumer-facing Crucial brand. As existing stock clears by early 2026, one major consumer supply channel effectively disappears, pushing even more demand onto remaining brands.
GPUs, CPUs and Other Devices Will Follow
The impact won’t stop at RAM and SSDs. GPUs are already expected to get 10 percent or higher price hikes. Cards like the RTX 5070 Ti could become several thousand rupees more expensive because graphics memory uses the same DRAM under pressure. Reports also suggest Nvidia may supply only GPU cores to partners, forcing them to source VRAM separately at higher spot prices.
Laptops, smartphones and yes, perhaps even gaming gadgets are also likely to see price hikes for a similar reason.
Should You Build a PC Right Now?
If you need a PC urgently for work, content creation or professional use, building now still makes sense, but with smart compromises. Opt for lower-capacity RAM or SSDs initially and plan to upgrade later. If your current system is managing fine, waiting may save you from overpaying, though there’s no clear timeline for prices returning to earlier lows.
Second-hand components with warranty can also help, but they require caution.
Final Thoughts
Based on all the signs we could gather, 2026 will be an expensive year for PC builders. The prices of memory and storage are going up not because of short-term shortages, but due to structural changes in the industry. If you know you’ll need a PC soon, it may be wiser to build or upgrade now with calculated compromises rather than wait indefinitely for prices that may never return to previous lows.