 |
| The WS3000 PSU. |
If you’ve been planning a new PC build or an upgrade, you might want to move a little faster. The tech industry’s worst-kept secret right now is that component prices are climbing, and the trend is expanding. After months of RAM and SSD prices soaring due to insatiable AI data center demand, two more critical parts are now on the chopping block: power supplies and CPU cooling solutions.
From AI Demand to Raw Material Squeeze
The initial wave of price hikes was largely fueled by the AI boom, with high-performance memory and storage being diverted to massive data centers, tightening supply for the consumer market. But the latest challenge stems from something even more fundamental: the raw materials that go into making our hardware.
A recent notice from a major industry player, Guangzhou Xinhong Zhengdian Electronic Technology, has sent ripples through the supply chain. The company, which supplies components for power supplies and cooling systems, cited "continuously climbing" costs for essential metals like copper, silver, and tin over recent months. These materials are vital for manufacturing everything from the conductive layers on PCBs to the heat pipes in your CPU cooler.
A Sudden Stop and a New, Higher Normal
The situation took a sharp turn at the start of the new year. According to the notice, upstream factories stopped accepting orders at old prices as of January 6. Any new orders are now subject to immediate, updated pricing, forcing cost increases to cascade down to component manufacturers—and ultimately, to us—with startling speed.
This direct pass-through of costs means we can expect clear and imminent price adjustments:
- Power Supplies (PSUs): Expected to see increases of 6% to 10%.
- Heatsinks & CPU Coolers: Set to rise by 6% to 8%.
The Double Whammy: Fewer Deals Ahead
Making the outlook even tougher for budget-conscious builders, the notice outlined a second phase of pricing changes. Starting February 1, 2026, all promotional pricing policies will be terminated. This means the end of discounts, sale prices, and special bundles. Not only will products revert to their standard MSRP, but over 90% of items are also slated for an additional per-unit price hike on top of that.
This broader trend of tightening supply and rising material costs isn't isolated. As reported in a detailed analysis, the upstream effects of industrial and AI demand are creating a perfect storm for PC component affordability. You can read a deeper dive into these market-wide pressures here.
What Should PC Shoppers Do?
For anyone in the market:
- Don't Panic, But Do Prioritize: If a reliable PSU or a specific cooler is on your list, consider purchasing it sooner rather than later. The old stock on shelves may still be at current prices.
- Shop Smart: Keep an eye on reputable retailers for any remaining inventory or last promotional deals before the February 2026 policy changes take effect.
- Re-evaluate Your Build: It may be worth considering where you can adjust your budget or specifications to accommodate these incoming increases, especially for the core components now affected.
The message is clear: the era of predictable, stable PC part prices is on pause. From AI servers to the copper in your power supply, global market forces are ensuring that your next upgrade will likely cost more than the last.