AI memory crunch takes a bite out of PC shipments

PERSONAL TECH

IDC warns smaller players may struggle as DRAM drought drags on

The memory chip crisis caused PC shipments to fall by 5 percent from last year in Q2 2026 as vendors struggled to secure supplies, and IDC warns smaller suppliers may be forced out of business if the situation continues.

While rising component costs have already priced budget PCs out of existence, the market intelligence biz says the AI-driven shortage also pushed shipments down to 68.2 million units during the quarter spanning April, May, and June.

This was the first decline after nine consecutive quarters of growth, with persistent memory chip shortages taking much of the blame. But other components such as storage, along with "geopolitical issues," have continued to weigh on the market, IDC says.

"The real story here is the disconnect between units and dollars: shipments are falling, but revenue is climbing because vendors are...

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