20/02/2026
Hi everyone — just a quick heads‑up about something we’re starting to see across the IT industry.
Over the past week I’ve had several distributors reach out about tightening supply on core computer components. After talking with an HPE contact yesterday, it’s clear this isn’t just background noise — things are getting difficult, and in some areas very quickly.
Here’s the short version:
• Memory (RAM). Prices have jumped sharply, especially server‑grade memory. A module I bought early last year has now quadrupled at wholesale. This isn’t unusual — it’s happening across the board.
• SSDs (solid‑state drives). High‑performance SSDs have risen fast over the last couple of months and many models are now out of stock. Server‑grade SSDs are even harder to get.
• Hard drives. This one is significant: both major manufacturers have already allocated their entire 2026 production. Orders placed now won’t arrive until 2027. I’ve had to bring forward some of my own storage upgrades because stock is drying up.
• Graphics cards (GPUs). Supply never really recovered after the crypto boom, and demand from AI has pushed things further out of balance.
So what does this mean?
We’re seeing desktops, laptops and servers selling through in the channel, with updated models coming in at higher price points or with reduced specifications. Prices today may look quite different next month.
This isn’t about panic — it’s about planning ahead.
If you’re expecting to replace a device or expand storage in the next 12–18 months, it’s worth looking at options earlier rather than later.
If you’d like us to review what you’ve got and give you an idea of where risks might be, feel free to get in touch - either here, or call us on 03 213 0610.
