seniorspectrumnewspaper – ASUS is set to raise prices for its RAM and flash memory products starting January 5, 2026. Following the circulation of a leaked internal letter addressed to business partners. The document, first reported by Videocardz, outlines adjustments affecting selected SSDs and DRAM kits. ASUS Taiwan has since confirmed the authenticity of the letter. Clarifying that it was intended strictly for internal B2B communication and not for public distribution. Despite this, the leak has drawn widespread attention because it offers an early signal of shifting conditions in the global memory market.
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Timing Linked Closely to CES 2026
The timing of the price increase is notable, as it comes just ahead of CES 2026. One of the most influential technology trade shows of the year. Within the industry, this move is widely interpreted as a strategic effort by ASUS to align its pricing structure with anticipated market trends expected to emerge during the event. CES often sets the tone for hardware launches and component pricing for the year ahead. Making early adjustments a way to establish new benchmarks before competitors respond.
Products and Configurations Affected
According to the leaked letter, the price adjustments will apply only to specific combinations and configurations of SSDs and DRAM kits. ASUS has not yet released a detailed list of affected models. Leaving partners and consumers uncertain about the full scope of the increases. The company has also declined to specify the exact percentage of the price hikes. However, industry rumors suggest that memory prices, particularly RAM, could rise sharply throughout 2026 as supply constraints persist.
Wider Impact on the Hardware Market
Rising prices for DRAM and NAND flash are expected to create broader implications beyond standalone memory products. Hardware segments such as laptops, prebuilt desktop PCs, and even graphics cards rely heavily on these components. As production costs increase, manufacturers may pass some of the added expenses on to consumers. This shift could lead to higher retail prices or prompt manufacturers to adjust default hardware configurations to control overall system costs.
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ASUS and Industry Responses to Cost Pressures
To mitigate the impact of rising memory prices, ASUS is extending support for DDR4 motherboards, allowing customers to continue using the older memory standard. While DDR4 prices have also increased, they remain lower than DDR5, making them a more accessible option for cost-conscious buyers. Other manufacturers are reportedly considering similar approaches. One expected industry-wide response is a greater number of laptops shipping with 8 GB of RAM as standard, rather than higher capacities, as vendors attempt to balance performance expectations with affordability in a tightening market.
