MSI expects GPU and memory shortages to continue, while CPU supply may improve soon
The PC hardware market is still facing a difficult stretch, and MSI believes the pressure is not going away immediately. According to comments from MSI Chairman Hsu Hsiang, shortages in memory and graphics cards are expected to continue affecting the industry, while CPU availability should gradually improve in the coming quarters.
The situation has been driven largely by booming demand for AI computing, which has placed heavy pressure on the supply chain. GPUs, CPUs, DRAM, and storage components have all been affected in different ways, creating higher prices and tighter availability across gaming PCs, desktop components, and laptops.
For PC gamers, system builders, and DIY buyers, this means the market may remain expensive and unpredictable for a while longer.
Memory prices are creating serious pressure on gaming PCs
One of the biggest problems right now is memory supply. MSI says memory prices for gaming laptops and desktop PCs climbed sharply during the first quarter. That increase has had a direct impact on the DIY PC market, especially in the second and third quarters.
The problem is not just that prices are rising. Supply visibility is also extremely limited. MSI reportedly receives only about one month of visibility from memory suppliers, meaning the company is informed monthly about how much DRAM it can receive. That makes planning difficult, especially when demand remains uncertain and prices can shift quickly.
This short supply window creates a major challenge for manufacturers. They must decide whether the available quantity and price make sense for upcoming products, but they cannot easily plan far ahead. In the commercial market, this makes price quotes harder to manage. In the consumer market, higher prices can cause buyers to delay purchases.
For everyday PC buyers, the result is simple: gaming laptops, prebuilt desktops, and DIY memory kits may stay more expensive than expected.
GPU supply has also been hit hard
The graphics card market is also feeling the impact of the memory shortage. MSI indicates that the graphics segment has seen roughly a 30% reduction in chip supply because memory availability has limited GPU shipments.
Modern graphics cards depend heavily on high-speed memory, and if memory supply is restricted, GPU production cannot run at full capacity. Even if GPU chips are available, the finished graphics cards cannot ship in large numbers without enough memory modules.
This has created supply-demand gaps in the market, particularly for newer graphics cards. With AI demand absorbing a large portion of advanced hardware capacity, consumer GPU supply remains under pressure.
For gamers looking to upgrade, this could mean limited stock, higher prices, and slower availability for popular graphics cards. The pressure may be especially noticeable in the latest-generation GPU market, where demand is already strong.
The PC market is down, but profitability remains stable
MSI is reportedly seeing a 20% decline in its DIY segment, while the broader PC market is facing a decline of around 10% to 20%. Rising component prices are making consumers more cautious, and many buyers appear to be postponing upgrades until prices become more attractive.
However, despite lower volume, profitability has remained relatively stable. This is because higher product prices are helping offset weaker shipment numbers. In other words, companies may be selling fewer units, but the higher prices on PCs and components are keeping margins from collapsing.
This creates a mixed picture for the industry. Manufacturers are not necessarily seeing profits fall sharply, but buyers are dealing with a more expensive market.
CPU supply may improve in the second and third quarters
While memory and GPU supply remain difficult, CPUs could become easier to find soon. MSI expects processor shortages to ease in the second and third quarters, with better availability from both AMD and Intel.
AMD has been heavily focused on its server business, where demand has grown due to AI and data center expansion. That focus has affected PC CPU supply, but MSI says AMD is now gradually increasing the priority of PC processor shipments.
Intel is also expected to improve supply in the third quarter. This timing is important because the second half of the year is typically a stronger season for PC sales, especially as consumers prepare for back-to-school purchases, holiday shopping, and new desktop or laptop launches.
If CPU supply improves as expected, it could help reduce some pressure on the PC market. However, the benefit may be limited if memory and GPU prices remain elevated.
DDR5 prices may stay high for years
The memory market may take longer to normalize than many buyers hope. AMD has previously warned that DDR5 prices may not return to normal levels until 2028. If that outlook proves accurate, higher memory costs could remain a major factor for PC builders for the next couple of years.
This matters because DDR5 is now widely used across modern desktop and laptop platforms. As more systems move away from older DDR4 memory, demand for DDR5 continues to grow. At the same time, AI servers and data centers are consuming large amounts of advanced memory, further tightening supply for consumer devices.
For buyers planning a new gaming PC, workstation, or laptop, memory pricing could remain one of the biggest cost variables.
What this means for PC buyers
The current market is creating a difficult decision for consumers. Waiting may bring better CPU availability, but memory and GPU prices may not improve quickly. Buying now could mean paying more, especially for gaming systems with powerful graphics cards and large memory configurations.
Budget-conscious buyers may want to compare prices carefully and watch for promotions. Those building a PC may also consider prioritizing components based on availability. For example, if CPUs become easier to find later in the year, shoppers may have more flexibility there, while GPUs and memory could remain the more difficult purchases.
The most important takeaway is that the PC hardware market is not facing a single shortage. Instead, different components are moving in different directions. CPUs may improve soon, but memory and GPUs are likely to remain tight.
MSI’s outlook suggests that the next few quarters will still be challenging for the PC industry. Higher memory prices, limited GPU supply, and cautious consumer demand are expected to shape the market. At the same time, improving CPU availability could provide some relief heading into the peak PC buying season.
For gamers, creators, and PC builders, patience and careful price tracking may be more important than ever.
