Singapore PC prices jump up to 40pc as AI boom squeezes supply

The surge in Singapore PC prices, up to 40 percent, directly reflects the intense demand for components driven by AI infrastructure development. This is not merely a consumer market fluctuation; it points to a significant re-prioritization of manufacturing capacity towards high-margin AI hardware. RAM, storage, and graphics cards are being diverted to data centers, impacting the availability and cost for general consumers and businesses in Asia. The Straits Times’ observation of a 32GB DDR5 RAM kit nearly quadrupling in price from S$195 to S$763 within a year underscores the severity of this component crunch. While IDC forecasts a slight easing in late 2027, further price increases from major graphics card makers could push costs higher still. This sustained pressure on component supply chains will likely continue to affect hardware procurement strategies for enterprises and startups across Southeast Asia into 2028. For Singaporean retailers like R Zech Laptop, sales have plummeted by as much as 80 percent, indicating that while businesses and enthusiasts may absorb higher costs, the general consumer market is highly sensitive. The ongoing component scarcity could force a longer refresh cycle for IT equipment in the region, potentially slowing broader digital transformation efforts that rely on accessible hardware.