It’s not just memory and storage consumer prices that are feeling the impact of the spike in AI and data centers. According to a new report, PC motherboards appear next in line to get hit with price increases.
According to a report from Chinese industry site Board Channels, printed circuit board, or PCB as they’re more commonly called, prices are expected to increase by at least 50% this year. The cost for other components used in building motherboards, such as surface-mount capacitors, copper, and supporting control chips, has also “risen significantly”.
Because of this, motherboard prices from at least a few major manufacturers will rise.
ASUS, Gigabyte, and MSI Are Feeling The Pinch
Board Channels (via VideoCardz) claims that brands such as ASUS, MSI, and Gigabyte are all dealing with multiple issues with their components. Not only are manufacturing costs increasing, but demand in the DIY PC market has fallen due to rising prices. It’s also been “difficult to fully pass on the increased costs to end users.”
That has led to issues with profitibility for the companies. But that looks like it will change starting in Q3 2026.
“Manufacturers hope to alleviate the pressure of continuously accumulating component costs and restore their profitability through price adjustments,” Board Channels said. “More importantly, they aim to moderately streamline the channel price difference structure and improve the meager profitability of downstream distributors.”
It’s worth noting their none of the three companies have confirmed their plans for price increases publicly. Insider Gaming has reached out to ASUS, Gigabyte, and MSI for comment on the report.
Are you going to buy a new motherboard before these expected price increases? Leave your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion in the official Insider Gaming Discord.
In other tech news, read about Nvidia raising its graphics card prices once again due to the global DRAM shortage.. For even more Insider Gaming delivered directly to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.
Mike has been covering the gaming industry since 2012, and has reported on some of the largest events in the industry while also working as an investigative reporter. Outside of…
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Retail stores flooded with motherboards. I’m sure they’ll sell well at higher prices.
LoL right @Kman. I don’t see the price of motherboards really going up 50%+, but never say never. I honestly could use a fresh motherboard and CPU, but I am going to wait a few years and just upgrade when I upgrade everything…. I have all of the consoles and a few hand held PC’s so I am notr exacly SOL if my PC went to shite. Mostlyt that would fuck over my way of sailing t he high seas on the rare times I decide to go sailing.