TL;DR
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A survey of over 1,500 PC gamers reveals 60% plan to delay new PC builds for at least two years due to high costs and component shortages driven by AI infrastructure demand. This indicates a significant slowdown in PC upgrading activity.
Sixty percent of PC gamers surveyed by Tom’s Hardware in May 2024 have no plans to build a new PC in the next two years, citing high component costs and shortages as primary reasons. This marks a significant slowdown in PC upgrade activity amid ongoing supply chain disruptions.
The survey, which included more than 1,500 respondents, found that only 15% plan to build a new PC within the next two years, while 25% are considering a build within the next 12 months. The remaining 60% are waiting at least two years or more before upgrading, reflecting widespread market pessimism.
Market conditions are heavily influenced by the global AI infrastructure boom, which has driven up demand for DRAM, SSDs, and graphics cards. For example, 32GB of RAM now costs approximately $360, and SSD prices remain high. Graphics card shortages and inflated prices are also linked to increased demand from AI data centers and cryptocurrency mining.
Why It Matters
This trend indicates a potential slowdown in the PC gaming and enthusiast markets, as high component costs and shortages discourage upgrades. It also signals that the current market conditions could persist, affecting hardware availability and pricing for the foreseeable future.
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Background
The PC component shortage has been driven by the global demand for AI data center infrastructure, which has strained supply chains for DRAM, SSDs, and GPUs. Prices for key components have surged, with some prices reaching levels not seen since the cryptocurrency mining boom. The market has been in a state of flux since early 2023, with component shortages impacting both gamers and professionals.
“Sixty percent of PC gamers are delaying new builds for at least two years due to high prices and shortages.”
— Tom’s Hardware survey data
“The AI infrastructure boom is a major factor driving component shortages and inflated prices, which directly influence consumer upgrade plans.”
— Industry analyst
What Remains Unclear
It is not yet clear how long the component shortages and high prices will persist, or whether new market interventions or supply chain improvements will alter consumer plans.
What’s Next
Market analysts expect supply chain disruptions to continue into 2025, potentially prolonging the delay in PC upgrades. Manufacturers may also introduce new products or price adjustments that could influence consumer behavior in the coming months.
Key Questions
Will the component shortages improve soon?
It is uncertain; supply chain issues are linked to global demand for AI infrastructure, and improvements depend on broader industry adjustments and supply chain recovery efforts.
Could discounts or sales events prompt a surge in PC building?
While some consumers may wait for sales like Black Friday, current prices are unlikely to fall enough to significantly change plans in the near term.
How might this trend affect the PC hardware market long-term?
If shortages persist, prices may remain high, potentially discouraging upgrades and leading to a slowdown in PC enthusiast activity.
Are gamers satisfied with their current builds?
Many respondents likely have high-end systems that do not require immediate upgrades, but the overall market sentiment is cautious due to cost and availability concerns.
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