Acer Chairman Jason Chen stated that while most memory and CPU components are becoming more available, high component costs will continue to impact consumer PC prices. The company expects terminal PC prices to rise by 5% to 20% in the fourth quarter of this year, with a potential market reversal not anticipated until the second half of 2027.
The current component market is characterized by significant price volatility, with some suppliers quoting high prices while others are eager to offload inventory at lower rates. While DDR4 and standard DDR5 supplies are abundant, shortages persist for high-end components like the LPDDR5X 9600 used in Nvidia N1 and N1X platforms. However, these niche products have a limited impact on overall shipment volumes.
CPU supply constraints are gradually easing, with shortages primarily limited to specific models used in Microsoft-related projects. Chen noted that semiconductor production capacity is expanding, particularly in mainland China, which is increasing overall supply. Consequently, the market is shifting toward a surplus of sellers compared to buyers.
Market analysts project a double-digit decline in global PC shipments by 2027. Despite this, rising average selling prices (ASP) may help stabilize total revenue. Acer expects the peak for PC ASP to occur in mid-2027, with price adjustments reflecting increased costs through the first quarter of 2027 before a potential decline in the latter half of the year.
