Motherboard sales have dramatically decreased by 50% year-on-year, largely due to the steep rise in memory prices, making enthusiasts hesitant to upgrade their PCs.

As reported by the Hong Kong hardware site HKEPC, several prominent motherboard manufacturers, including MSI, Gigabyte, and Asus, have experienced this sharp decline in sales numbers compared to previous years. The supplementary rise in DRAM prices started in October and has discouraged potential buyers from investing in new upgrades.

Gaming peripherals are witnessing stable sales, with many gamers diverting their spending away from memory-intensive components toward accessories like gaming mice and monitors. Some users have reduced their upgrade ambitions or postponed them entirely in light of the surging prices.

The increasing demand for memory driven by AI is contributing to a bleak forecast, suggesting that the struggles could persist into 2028 or beyond as manufacturers like Samsung and SK Hynix focus on controlling supply to prevent oversaturation in the market. This escalation in costs across the industry highlights the challenges faced by enthusiasts and casual gamers alike, further complicating their hardware purchasing decisions.