MSI predicts that supply problems on the memory and GPU side will continue throughout 2026. Despite this, the supply situation on the processor side is expected to improve by the third quarter of the year.

MSI Board Leader Hsu Hsiang made important statements about the current hardware components market. The increasing need for computing, especially for artificial intelligence technologies, causes component prices to exceed expectations.

Difficulties in Component Supply

According to MSI information, memory prices for gaming laptops and desktop systems increased significantly in the first quarter of the year. It is stated that there has been a 30 percent decrease in NVIDIA’s graphics processor supply due to memory shortage.

NVIDIA provides memory modules to its partners for each GPU sale, but there are difficulties in this process due to limitations in memory supply. It is said that the company’s RTX 50 series GPU supply decreased by 50 percent in the current quarter.

Memory manufacturers provide supply information to OEMs on a monthly basis, providing only one month of visibility into the market. This uncertainty limits the order flexibility of vendors such as MSI and complicates planning processes.

Warnings that DDR5 memory prices will not return to normal until 2028 increase anxiety in the market. MSI observes a 20 percent contraction in the DIY (do-it-yourself) segment and a 10 to 20 percent contraction in the general PC market.

Expected Improvement in the Processor Market

On the processor side, the situation is expected to follow a more positive course in the coming months. AMD and Intel plan to prioritize customer-focused CPU production starting in the third quarter.

Following its focus on the server side, AMD began to focus more on PC processor supply. With Intel increasing its supply capacity in the third quarter, it is aimed to alleviate the effects of the heavy period in the PC market.

These strategic steps are expected to increase processor availability in the third and fourth quarters of the year. This balancing of supply in the sector can somewhat reduce the difficulties experienced by consumers in purchasing equipment.

What do you think about the repercussions of these supply problems in hardware components on the market?