The ongoing global RAM shortage is no longer limited to memory modules alone. Recent reports suggest that the supply crunch has started spilling over into other critical PC components, including graphics cards (GPUs), solid-state drives (SSDs), and storage solutions. As a result, consumers are beginning to see noticeable price hikes across both online and offline retail channels, with the impact becoming more visible over the past couple of months.

According to industry observers, this trend is expected to continue through much of 2026, potentially making PC upgrades and new builds significantly more expensive.

Why a RAM Shortage Is Affecting GPUs and SSDs

At the core of the issue lies the shared dependency on memory components and NAND chips. Modern GPUs rely heavily on high-speed video memory such as GDDR6 and GDDR7, while SSDs depend entirely on NAND flash. With memory manufacturers facing production constraints, these components have become harder to source at stable prices.

The situation has reportedly affected the consumer market the most. Newly launched GPUs and storage devices are now entering the market at higher starting prices compared to their predecessors, reflecting increased component costs rather than performance gains.

GPU Prices Are Already Climbing

An Ars Technica report highlights that GPU prices have already begun creeping upward, with further increases likely in the coming months. Concerns intensified after Asus, Nvidia’s largest add-in board (AIB) partner, confirmed to TechSpot that the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti has been placed under “end-of-life” status due to supply shortages.

This decision appears to be driven by component prioritisation. The RTX 5070 Ti uses the same 16GB GDDR7 memory and a custom, partially disabled version of Nvidia’s GB203 GPU chip, which is also used in the more expensive RTX 5080. With limited memory availability, manufacturers are reportedly focusing resources on higher-margin models rather than mid-range offerings.

Real-World GPU Pricing Shows the Impact

The effects of this shortage are already visible in retail pricing, particularly in the US market. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070, which carries an official retail price of $549 (roughly ₹49,900), is currently selling for around $570 (approximately ₹51,800).

AMD’s offerings have not been spared either. The Radeon RX 9070 XT, originally priced at $599 (around ₹54,430), is now reportedly selling for close to $750 (roughly ₹68,150). While these increases are not as extreme as the surge seen in RAM pricing, the changes have reportedly occurred within just the last 30 days, raising concerns about further escalation.

SSD Prices See an Even Sharper Spike

The situation appears more severe in the storage segment. SSD prices have reportedly risen sharply, making high-capacity drives increasingly unaffordable or difficult to find.

A standard 1TB M.2 SSD from major brands is now selling for around $150 (approximately ₹13,600). For comparison, a 1TB WD Blue SSD was priced at about $135 (roughly ₹12,270) earlier this month. Higher-capacity models show an even more dramatic jump.

A 2TB Samsung 990 Evo Plus, for instance, is currently listed at around $440 (approximately ₹39,990), despite having an official listed price closer to $177 (roughly ₹16,100). Meanwhile, 4TB SSD options from well-known brands are either prohibitively expensive or completely out of stock, making them difficult for consumers to purchase.

Broader Impact on PC and Laptop Markets in 2026

With component prices rising just one month into 2026, experts warn that the cost of PCs and laptops could increase significantly throughout the year. Manufacturers may pass these higher component costs on to consumers, affecting everything from entry-level systems to high-performance gaming and productivity machines.

The consumer electronics market, particularly DIY PC builders and gamers, is expected to feel the strain the most, especially if supply constraints persist across memory and NAND production.

Should Consumers Buy Now or Wait?

For consumers planning upgrades or new PC builds, the current outlook suggests caution. Unless an upgrade is urgent, experts recommend exercising patience and closely monitoring prices. If memory supply improves later in the year, some price correction could occur—although there is no guarantee of a rapid return to previous pricing levels.

Conclusion

The global RAM shortage is now triggering a chain reaction across the PC hardware ecosystem, driving up prices for GPUs, SSDs, and storage drives. With mid-range graphics cards becoming scarcer, SSD prices surging, and supply chains under pressure, 2026 is shaping up to be a challenging year for PC buyers.

As the situation evolves, consumers and manufacturers alike will be watching closely to see whether production stabilises—or if component prices continue their upward climb in the months ahead.