PC Sales Drop in Q2 2026 Due to Memory Crisis
Key Questions
Why did global PC shipments drop in Q2 2026?
Shipments fell 4% due to the ongoing RAM price crisis impacting sales across most brands. The market is shifting toward premium AI PCs as a result.
Which PC brands performed well despite the decline?
ASUS was the only major brand to see growth, while Apple's MacBook Neo increased by 13% during the same period.
What advice is given to consumers amid the PC sales drop?
Buyers are encouraged to purchase sooner, consider refurbished options, or use trade-in programs to navigate higher prices driven by the memory crisis.
Global PC shipments dropped 4% in Q2 2026 as the RAM price crisis finally impacts sales. ASUS was the only brand to see growth, while Apple's MacBook Neo grew 13%. This reinforces the need for consumers to buy sooner and consider refurbished/trade-in options. The market is shifting toward premium AI PCs. New: Lenovo Legion 5 cost-cutting (plastic chassis, single-zone keyboard) to keep 32GB RAM affordable reflects memory crisis trade-offs. New: Building a gaming PC during RAM/GPU crisis — practical guide with three realistic builds.