Motherboards could become the next victim of AI-driven supply chain pressure
According to a report from Taiwanese supply chain forum Board Channels, motherboards could become the next PC component to experience massive price hikes, following the dramatic cost increases of RAM and SSDs driven by AI data center demand. Printed circuit board (PCB) costs are projected to climb by at least 50 percent by the end of 2026, alongside price increases for key components like surface-mounted capacitors, copper heatsinks, VRMs, and controller chips. Major manufacturers including Asus, MSI, and Gigabyte are reportedly preparing a new round of price adjustments as early as the third quarter of 2026 to offset these rising manufacturing expenses. Crucially, these cost increases come at a time when desktop PC shipments and DIY builder demand are already in a steep decline, threatening to make custom PC building even less financially viable for gaming enthusiasts.