🌍 Why are prices rising?
The price increase is not due to a single factor, but a combination of many. The 2020-2022 pandemic showed how fragile the global semiconductor supply chain is. Even now, four years later, the effects continue.
The AI explosion created enormous demand for graphics cards and specialized chips. Nvidia, which dominates the AI chips market, cannot meet the demand. This also affects consumer cards — GeForce and Radeon prices have skyrocketed.
Geopolitical tensions between the US and China add uncertainty. Tariffs on Chinese products and restrictions on technology exports to China create a complex landscape. At the same time, Taiwan — which produces 90% of advanced chips globally — is at the center of this tension.
📊 The 5 key factors driving price increases
AI demand
Data centers are buying all the GPUs. Consumers pay the price.
Production shortage
TSMC operates at 100% without meeting demand.
Geopolitics
Tariffs, embargoes, uncertainty over Taiwan.
Energy costs
Chip factories consume enormous amounts of electricity.
New technologies
DDR5, PCIe 5.0, USB4 require new investments.
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💻 Which products are most affected
Mid-range laptops (€600-1,000): This category is affected the most because manufacturers cannot absorb costs as they do with premium models. A laptop that cost €700 in 2024 now costs €820-850.
RAM DDR5: DDR5 memory is now standard in new systems, but production hasn't reached DDR4 levels. A 32GB DDR5-5600 kit costs €140-160 now, while last year it was €110-120. The good news is that DDR4 remains available and cheaper.
GPU / Graphics cards: This is the most problematic area. An Nvidia RTX 4070 that cost €550 in 2024 now sells for €700-750. The new RTX 50 series is expected to be even more expensive. For gamers and creators, this is a significant blow.
SSD NVMe: Drives are less affected, but prices have stabilized after years of decline. A 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD costs €70-90, while newer PCIe 5.0 models start at €120. For most users, PCIe 4.0 is more than enough.
📖 Read more: Foldable Phones Under €500: Mainstream 2026
💡 What you can do
Despite the increases, there are ways to save. First, avoid the latest models. A previous-generation laptop (Intel 13th gen instead of 14th) can cost 20-30% less with minimal difference in performance.
Second, consider upgrading instead of replacing. Adding RAM or SSD to an existing system can make it much faster at low cost. Replacing an HDD with an SSD is the best upgrade you can make.
Third, watch for deals. Black Friday, November, and January (after the holidays) offer significant discounts. Also, refurbished laptops from reliable stores can offer excellent value.
✅ Buying recommendations 2026
💼 For work/studies
- Intel Core i5 13th gen or AMD Ryzen 5 7000
- 16GB RAM (enough for most users)
- SSD 512GB minimum
- Budget: €550-750
🎮 For gaming/creative work
- Intel i7 or AMD Ryzen 7
- 32GB RAM (for video editing)
- RTX 4060/4070 or RX 7700 XT
- Budget: €1,100-1,600
🔮 What we expect in the future
Prices are not expected to drop soon. AI chip demand will continue, and the new generation of processors (Intel Arrow Lake, AMD Zen 5) will be expensive at launch. However, the gradual shift of production to Europe and the US could stabilize the situation long-term.
The European Chips Act and investments in chip factories in Germany, France, and Ireland will start showing results from 2027-2028. Until then, dependence on Asia will continue — and with it, price uncertainty.
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