- Shock increases of up to 50% in PCB prices and a surge in copper costs are bringing a new wave of price increases to motherboards.
- ASUS, GIGABYTE and MSI They adjust prices in distribution channels within Q3, passing the burden on to the end consumer.
- The decline in demand for DIY PCs and the stagnant platforms from Intel and AMD they make the market completely prohibitive for upgrades.
Reclassifications in the parent market
Get ready to dig deep into your pockets if you're planning on building a new system anytime soon. According to an exclusive report by Board Channels , the three biggest hardware manufacturers are preparing for another round of price increases.
The desktop computer market is taking a hit as demand for custom builds hits a multi-year low, with manufacturers unable to absorb increased operating and research costs.
This means that the price freeze we have seen until recently is finally coming to an end. Distribution channels are preparing to pass the increases directly onto store shelves.
Production costs and PCBs
The main culprit behind this new price rally is the building materials themselves. PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards) for consumer motherboards are expected to see their price skyrocket by at least 50% within the year.
At the same time, copper, high-resistance capacitors, critical power components and specialized controller chips are becoming increasingly expensive. Raw material suppliers are putting a squeeze on manufacturing plants.
With dozens of different models released for the same socket, sharing development costs becomes impossible. Companies are forced to raise prices to save their profit margins.
The DIY market trap
The timing couldn't be worse for the PC builder community. The market is being fueled by a triple whammy: in addition to raw materials, sales volume is collapsing dramatically.
At the same time, processors do not offer serious incentives to change platforms. Intel with the Core Ultra 200 series completes the cycle of its current generation, while AMD prefers to keep its cards closed for future Zen 6 architectures.
If you factor in the crazy prices of RAM , the conclusion is obvious. Any attempt to upgrade right now comes with an absurd cost for minimal real performance gain.
Our opinion at TechNoid
We at TechNoid believe that this move by manufacturers is an own goal of enormous proportions. Instead of stimulating an already dead DIY market, companies are driving gamers to pre-built systems or consoles. Unless you have an urgent need to change platforms, just ignore Q3 and keep your money.
Also read our article on the best network options if you want to improve your setup without changing your motherboard.
Frequently Asked Questions about motherboard price increases
When will the new increases in maternity prices be seen?
Price increases in distribution channels are planned for the third quarter (Q3) of 2026, with the new cost lists gradually being passed on to stores.
Which companies are affected by the new wave of price increases?
The three largest players in the global market, namely ASUS, GIGABYTE and MSI, will proceed with price adjustments.
Why are computer motherboards getting more expensive in 2026?
The main reason is the 50% increase in PCB manufacturing materials, as well as the increased cost of copper, capacitors and power chips.
Is it worth buying a new PC this year?
No, as prices for motherboards and RAM have skyrocketed, while the available processors do not offer world-class performance changes.
What role do Intel and AMD play in developments?
The lack of new revolutionary processors and stagnant platforms discourage consumers from investing in expensive hardware.
Will prices drop again soon?
Difficult, as reduced demand forces manufacturers to raise unit prices to maintain their profit margins.
How can I save money on a new system build?
The best solution is to keep your existing motherboard and platform, only investing in peripherals or a graphics card if absolutely necessary.
