New laptops cost more in 2026, and memory is only part of the story. The processors inside them have gone up too. If your laptop has developed a fault, here is why repairing or upgrading it is often the better buy this year.
Processors are in short supply as well
Most entry-level and mainstream Windows laptops use Intel processors. In January 2026 the research firm TrendForce reported that Intel was short of processors for laptops and had raised prices on its lower-end chips. It expected the shortage to last until after March. The processor is a big part of what a laptop costs to make: TrendForce puts it at roughly 15–30% of the cost of the parts.
In March TrendForce reported that Intel had raised prices on some entry-level and older laptop processors by more than 15%, with further rises planned for mainstream and higher-end chips between April and June.
Memory and storage on top
At the same time, memory and SSD prices have shot up, because chip makers are selling more of their output to AI data centres. TrendForce says memory and storage usually make up about 15% of a laptop’s parts cost. It expected that to pass 30% in early 2026.
Put the two together and the numbers get big. TrendForce worked out that for a mainstream laptop that sold for $900 at the start of 2025, higher memory prices alone could push the shop price up by more than 30%. Add the processor rises and it could approach 40%, if manufacturers and shops keep their usual margins. Batteries, circuit boards and power chips have also gone up in cost.
TrendForce expected laptop shipments to fall by 14.8% in January to March 2026 compared with the previous quarter, and cut its forecast for the whole year to a 9.4% fall.
What it means for you
- Repair before you replace. A failed screen, keyboard, charging port or motherboard can usually be fixed for much less than a new laptop costs now.
- Upgrade what you have. If your laptop still does the job but feels slow, a memory or SSD upgrade can give it a few more years.
- Older laptops are worth a look too. We repair every major brand at component level, including older models.
Since 2004 we have repaired and upgraded laptops for home users and small and medium businesses in London. Most laptops are repaired or upgraded within one to two days. We can arrange collection and delivery, or you can bring it to our repair centre near London Bridge (by appointment, so please call before you visit).
Sources
- TrendForce, 26 January 2026: Dual pressure from rising CPU and memory prices to drive global notebook shipments down 14.8% QoQ in 1Q26
- TrendForce, 10 March 2026: Rising memory and CPU prices could push mainstream notebook prices up by nearly 40%