Motherboard prices may rise by 50% in Q3 2026 - impact on gamers
Intelligence Summary
- Motherboard prices could jump 50% in Q3 2026. See what it means for gaming hardware and gamers.
Briefly summarized
- Motherboard prices could rise by as much as 50% in Q3 2026 due to rising component costs.
- The DIY PC component market is losing momentum, which could affect motherboard demand.
- The Asus ROG Strix X870E Gaming motherboard has seen a price drop over the past year, which may be an exception in the current market.
Recent reports about a possible motherboard price hike in Q3 2026 are worrying for gamers and PC builders. According to several sources, including an article on IGN, prices could rise by as much as 50% due to increasing costs for printed circuit boards and other components. This comes on top of the already rising prices for RAM, graphics cards, SSDs, and processors in 2026.
GAME-scanner analysis
The expected price increases are a result of the ongoing RAM crisis that has pushed up the cost of PC components. Major industry players such as MSI, Asus, and Gigabyte are facing higher costs for essential parts like copper and capacitors. This could significantly affect the accessibility of high-end motherboards for gamers and PC builders. The decline in the DIY market also points to a shift in demand, which could create even more pricing pressure.
What does this mean for players?
For gamers, this means the cost of building or upgrading a PC could rise significantly. Higher prices may force players to delay purchases or look for alternative options. It is also possible that demand for cheaper, less powerful motherboards will increase, which could affect the quality of the gaming experience.
Timeline
Q3 2026: Expected motherboard price increase of up to 50%.
2026: General price increases for RAM, graphics cards, SSDs, and processors.