RAM Crisis: Black Friday May Be Your Last Good PC Deal

The RAM crisis is getting worse, not better

If you were hoping the memory shortage would ease soon, Samsung just poured cold water on that idea.

In its latest earnings report, Samsung warned that RAM shortages will get worse next year and that supply will remain thin in 2028 as well. That follows SK Hynix's prediction that the supply woes will persist through 2030, and similar warnings from Dell's CEO and Intel's chief executive.

The message is consistent: the RAM crisis isn't a short-term blip. It's a structural problem that could define PC pricing for the rest of the decade.

Why Black Friday 2026 could be your last chance for a good PC deal

Black Friday is shaping up to be the one bright spot in an otherwise gloomy market.

Retailers will still need to move inventory, and Black Friday is the biggest sales event of the year. That means discounts on pre-built PCs and laptops are likely, even if they're not as deep as in previous years.

But don't expect bargains on RAM sticks or high-capacity SSDs. Those are the components hit hardest by the shortage, and retailers have little incentive to cut prices when supply is so tight.

The real opportunity is in complete systems. Manufacturers may have locked in component prices months ago, so they can still offer attractive deals on full builds. If you've been eyeing a new gaming PC or a work laptop, this could be the moment to buy.

• Look for pre-built PCs and laptops with fixed configurations.
• Avoid DIY upgrades unless you absolutely need them now.
• Check for bundle deals that include monitors or peripherals.

What to expect from Black Friday RAM deals

Spoiler: not much.

If you're holding out for a discount on DDR5 kits or NVMe drives, you'll likely be disappointed. The shortage has driven prices up, and retailers know they can sell whatever stock they get at full price.

Your best bet is to focus on complete systems where the RAM is already included. Even then, don't expect rock-bottom prices. The days of absurdly cheap RAM are on hold until the supply situation improves.

What it means for you

For buyers in the US, UK, and EU, Black Friday 2026 is likely the best opportunity to buy a new PC before prices climb further. Retailers in these regions typically offer aggressive discounts on pre-built systems and laptops during the event.

If you're in the market for a new machine, set a budget and track prices in the weeks leading up to Black Friday. Don't wait for RAM prices to fall—they probably won't for years.

The RAM crisis isn't going away anytime soon. Black Friday 2026 might be your best shot at a reasonable PC price for years to come. If you've been putting off a purchase, now is the time to start watching deals.