The days of snagging a decent PC for under $500 (approximately PKR 140,000) might soon be over. According to leading research and advisory firm Gartner, entry-level computers in that price range are heading toward extinction by 2028. And that’s not the only troubling forecast—the firm also predicts a 10.4% global decline in PC shipments in 2026.
So what’s driving this shift, and what does it mean for everyday users and gamers alike? Let’s break it down.
The Memory Crisis Is Reshaping the PC Market
At the heart of the issue lies a massive surge in memory costs. Gartner projects a staggering 130% increase in combined DRAM and SSD prices by the end of 2026. The ripple effect?
- PC prices expected to rise by 17% compared to 2025
- Smartphone prices likely to increase by 13%
As memory becomes more expensive, it takes up a larger chunk of a PC’s total manufacturing cost. By 2026, memory alone could account for 23% of a PC’s bill of materials, up from 16% in 2025. That’s a dramatic jump—and one manufacturers simply can’t ignore.
Why Sub-$500 PCs Are in Danger
Low-cost laptops and desktops typically operate on razor-thin profit margins. When component prices skyrocket, manufacturers have two options:
- Absorb the cost and sacrifice profits
- Raise prices and risk selling fewer units
According to Ranjit Atwal, a senior director analyst at Gartner, the second option is more realistic. Vendors are unlikely to continue offering ultra-budget systems if they can’t maintain sustainable margins.
As a result, the sub-$500 entry-level PC segment could disappear entirely by 2028.
A Sharp Drop in Global PC Shipments
The price pressure isn’t just affecting affordability—it’s impacting overall demand. Gartner describes the projected 10.4% decline in PC shipments in 2026 as the steepest contraction in more than a decade.
Higher prices often mean consumers hold onto their devices longer. Instead of upgrading every few years, many buyers may stretch their current machines further, fundamentally changing traditional upgrade cycles.
What This Means for Everyday Users
For gamers, premium pricing has always been part of the equation. Gaming PCs with discrete GPUs have consistently cost more than standard productivity machines. However, what’s surprising is that even basic, non-gaming desktops—often used for browsing, office tasks, and storing family photos—may no longer be available under $500 (PKR 140,000).
Currently, you can still find modest systems with:
- An older but capable CPU
- Adequate RAM
- Sufficient SSD storage
These machines are perfect for students, families, and light office users. If Gartner’s forecast proves accurate, that affordable entry point may soon disappear.
Premium Devices May Dominate the Market
As prices climb, demand is expected to shift toward higher-end systems. Instead of competing aggressively in the budget segment, vendors may focus on premium devices where margins are healthier.
In simple terms: manufacturers may accept selling fewer units if it means protecting profitability.
The Bigger Picture: A Changing PC Landscape
The potential disappearance of sub-$500 PCs marks more than just a pricing shift—it signals a structural change in the industry. Memory costs, supply chain instability, and evolving consumer behavior are combining to reshape the global PC market.
For buyers, especially those in price-sensitive regions like Pakistan, where $500 equals roughly PKR 140,000, this trend could significantly impact access to affordable computing.
If you’re considering purchasing a new PC, waiting too long might mean paying substantially more for the same level of performance in the near future.
Final Thoughts
The idea that affordable entry-level PCs could vanish within just a few years would have seemed unlikely not long ago. But with memory prices surging and manufacturers under pressure, the budget PC segment may soon become a thing of the past.
Whether you’re a casual user, a student, or a budget-conscious gamer, the message is clear: the PC market is entering a new era—one where affordability may no longer be guaranteed.
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