Global demand for memory and storage components—driven by demand for AI infrastructure—has led to sharp price increases and reduced supply for standard computer and storage hardware. Manufacturers are prioritizing raw materials and processing for advanced memory production, limiting availability and raising prices for basic PC, server, and storage components.
For UBC Okanagan department funded or specialized (non-standard) hardware purchases this means:
- Price increases: ~20-30% for personal computers and 20–40% for servers and storage (especially for high memory and SSDs).
- Supply delays: Shipping times could extend to 12–26+ weeks, similar to pandemic-era levels.
Centralized Efforts
To mitigate some of these impacts, UBCO IT is currently:
- Advance purchasing bulk stock of base model personal computers (for FY26-27 CRP purchases and renewals) and classroom AV equipment to lock in current pricing and reduce the risk of shipping delays.
- Consulting with researchers to assess and offset the impact on existing and upcoming grants in coordination with Research Computing and the VP Research and Innovation Office.
Unit Recommendations
- Extend Refresh Cycles: Delay non-critical upgrades or purchases of department or grant funded computing, storage or server purchases to avoid pricing increases and delays.
- Consider Alternative Configurations: Consult with UBCO IT to explore lower memory/storage specs or hybrid storage strategies which will be less impacted by increased prices and demand.
- Computer Replacement Program (CRP)
Standard, general-purpose desktops and laptops provided through the Computer Replacement Program (CRP) remain centrally funded for standard configurations. Configuration modifications (uplifts) will continue to be at department expense (usually leveraged for combined teaching and research needs by faculty members). These uplifts may see inflation for memory and storage needs.
- Quickly Approve Purchases in Workday: Quote validity has been shortened by many vendors to 2 weeks, therefore timely approvals of purchase requisitions for department purchases or custom requirements will reduce the need for re-quotes which could result in higher costs and delays.
Further Information or follow up
Please reach out to UBCO IT if you’d like more details on the forecasted pricing and supply issues or would like to set up a consultation to discuss more cost-effective configurations for your department or research needs.
Learn more…
Semiconductor Inventory Analysis Worldwide, 3Q25: Moderate Shortage Sustained by Advanced Node Acceleration
October 30, 2025
https://www.gartner.com/document-reader/document/7132930
Samsung hikes memory chip prices by up to 60% as shortage worsens, sources say
November 16, 2025
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/samsung-hikes-memory-chip-prices-by-up-60-shortage-worsens-sources-say-2025-11-14/
Why Micron and SK Hynix Could Quietly Become the Real AI Winners
November 24, 2025
https://www.fool.com/investing/2025/11/24/why-micron-and-sk-hynix-could-quietly-become-the-r/
Memory Price Rally May Run Past 2028 as Samsung, SK Hynix Reportedly Cautious on Expansion
December 2, 2025
https://www.trendforce.com/news/2025/12/02/news-memory-price-rally-may-run-past-2028-as-samsung-sk-hynix-reportedly-cautious-on-expansion/
Memory Crunch Hits PCs: Dell Hikes Prices 15-20% Mid-December, Lenovo from January 2026
December 5, 2025
https://www.trendforce.com/news/2025/12/05/exclusive-memory-crunch-hits-pcs-dell-hikes-prices-15-20-mid-december-lenovo-from-january-2026/