Why the 2026 RAM Shortage Is Creating Procurement Challenges

The global semiconductor landscape is shifting once again — and this time, laptop buyers are feeling the pressure. According to industry analysts, including recent commentary from Intel, laptop manufacturers are currently sitting on 9 to 12 months of inventory. This unusual surplus is becoming a strategic advantage as RAM supply tightens, prices fluctuate, and demand for AI‑capable laptops continues to rise.

For IT teams responsible for refreshing devices, this “RAM crunch” poses real procurement risks. Without forward planning and the right supplier strategy, businesses may see reduced availability, longer lead times, and inconsistent pricing throughout 2026.

What’s Causing the RAM Crunch?

Memory manufacturers are shifting production priorities, moving capacity away from traditional DDR RAM and toward high‑bandwidth memory (HBM) used in AI servers and GPUs. This pivot is making standard RAM modules more expensive and, in some regions, harder to source.

At the same time, demand for laptops capable of running AI‑powered tools — including Microsoft Copilot — is accelerating. These models typically require 16–32GB RAM minimum, amplifying the strain on supply chains.

Why OEM Stockpiles Could Save Businesses in 2026

Although component shortages are real, major laptop manufacturers pre‑emptively built significant inventory throughout 2025. Intel’s analysis suggests that many OEMs currently hold up to a year’s worth of laptop stock, meaning devices already in warehouses aren’t subject to the same constraints as future production runs.

For businesses, this creates a crucial opportunity:

• Act early to secure available stock before OEM inventories start to shrink.
• Avoid paying inflated prices for newer production batches affected by RAM shortages.
• Protect procurement timelines for onboarding, growth cycles, or refresh schedules.

Organisations that delay laptop purchasing until mid‑2026 may face higher costs or reduced hardware choice.

What This Means for Your Laptop Strategy

Many businesses typically refresh devices every 3–4 years. But the current market conditions require a more proactive approach. To survive the RAM crunch and maintain productivity, IT leaders should adjust their procurement plans now.

1. Prioritise AI‑Ready Devices

Tools like Microsoft Copilot, Microsoft 365 AI features, and modern security scanning all require more memory than traditional workloads. We recommend minimum 16GB RAM, with 32GB for power users.

2. Buy Ahead of Demand

If there are known growth plans, onboarding peaks, or contract expansions on the horizon, make purchases now rather than waiting for Q3/Q4 supply uncertainty.

3. Standardise Device Profiles

Reducing model variation not only cuts support costs — it improves your ability to bulk‑buy during constrained supply windows.

4. Work With Trusted Procurement Partners

Partners like Reflective IT can access distributor‑level insights, pre‑order allocations, and long‑term pricing forecasts — advantages that internal purchasing teams often lack.

5. Consider Warranty‑Backed Lifecycle Extensions

For non‑critical users, extending a device’s lifespan by 12–18 months may be more cost‑effective if budgets or availability are tight.

Signs You Need to Review Your 2026 Procurement Plan

• Your team still uses laptops with 8GB RAM.
• You expect headcount growth in 2026.
• You rely heavily on AI or collaboration tools.
• You refresh devices ad‑hoc without forecasting.
• Your supplier has already warned of stock or price fluctuations.

If any of these apply, now is the right moment to review your procurement strategy.

Reflective IT Tip

Link laptop procurement to your hiring plan and AI rollout strategy. This will help you stay ahead of shortages, avoid inflated prices, and ensure every user has the device they need to be productive.

Need Help Planning Your 2026 Laptop Refresh?

Reflective IT helps businesses source the right devices at the right time, with expert forecasting, procurement support, and lifecycle management. If you want to secure devices before the RAM crunch affects pricing and availability, let us support your planning.

📞 0207 317 4535 | 📧 support@reflectiveit.com