According to a new insider report, either HP or Lenovo has struck major deals with the world’s three largest RAM manufacturers Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron. With memory prices already surging due to heavy AI demand, this move could give one tech giant a key advantage heading into 2026. For everyone else, though, it might spell trouble.
RAM crisis pushes PC giants to act early
The report suggests a top-tier PC brand visited all three suppliers and secured a long-term supply agreement. With OpenAI reportedly reserving up to 40% of global DRAM output, RAM has become the latest battleground in a supply war driven by AI infrastructure and high-performance computing. If HP or Lenovo managed to carve out guaranteed access, that puts them ahead of the curve, but leaves smaller players behind.
Smaller builders left out in the cold
The effects are already trickling down. Boutique PC builders and DIY users are feeling the squeeze, with no leverage to negotiate similar deals. Maingear recently introduced a Bring Your Own RAM program in response to market volatility. And despite ramping up inventory by 50%, Lenovo has warned that memory prices will keep climbing through 2026.
This makes it more likely that Lenovo is the company behind the RAM agreements. If true, the brand may be trying to insulate itself from cost swings, but that won’t help the broader market. Entry-level and high-end systems alike could see significant price hikes next year, especially from vendors without locked-in supply.
DRAM could dominate future PC build costs
TrendForce, citing the Yicai Global report, estimates DRAM and SSDs will make up 23% of total build costs for premium laptops by 2026. More price turbulence is projected for Q2 of that year, and the gap between brands with reserved supply and those without could widen fast.
Here’s what the situation implies:
- HP or Lenovo may have priority access to RAM through 2026
- Smaller OEMs and DIY users may face worse pricing or availability
- DRAM and SSD costs will weigh heavier on overall PC pricing
- Market shifts could redefine entry-level and mid-range system value
Locked-in deals could reshape the PC market in 2026
If these supply deals are confirmed, one of the industry’s biggest players has essentially secured a buffer from the worst of the coming storm. But it may come at the cost of competition. Unless DRAM output sees a meaningful expansion, smaller builders and PC buyers are likely to face higher prices and fewer choices in the year ahead.
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