Custom gaming PC vendor PowerGPU has issued a public warning regarding ongoing and expected price increases across the PC hardware market, advising consumers that current pricing conditions may worsen as 2026 progresses. The message was shared by PowerGPU CEO Jese Martinez, who emphasized transparency amid rapidly changing component costs.
In the statement, PowerGPU explained that price increases are already affecting multiple core PC components. Martinez wrote, “I want to put this out there so everyone is aware of the price increases that are already impacting the PC market.” He clarified that while PowerGPU has not yet raised its own system prices, the broader market trend is already unfolding and may soon become unavoidable.
According to the post, memory prices were the first to rise, with RAM being impacted roughly two months ago. Solid state drives followed, seeing noticeable increases approximately two weeks prior to the statement. Graphics cards are now experiencing similar pressure, completing a sequence that affects nearly every major performance critical component in a modern gaming PC.
PowerGPU cited specific examples to illustrate the scale of current GPU pricing. “For example, RTX 5090 base models are currently around $3,500 on Newegg, and RTX 5080 base models have climbed to approximately $1,200,” Martinez stated. He further noted that AMD has announced GPU price increases of its own, while ASUS is set to raise prices on select products starting January 5.
Despite these pressures, PowerGPU says it is attempting to hold the line on pricing for as long as possible. Martinez explained, “At this time, we have not raised our prices, so if you’re currently in the market, now may be the best opportunity.” However, he acknowledged that maintaining current pricing may not be sustainable indefinitely, adding that the company does not know how long it can absorb the rising costs.
The message also expressed concern for consumers planning future purchases. “Unfortunately, 2026 is shaping up to be a rough year for gamers,” Martinez wrote, adding that he sympathizes with anyone who intended to build or buy a gaming PC later in the year. He concluded by noting that predicting the long-term direction of the PC hardware industry has become increasingly difficult.
As of this month, the broader market conditions suggest that component scarcity and pricing volatility are already reshaping the PC building landscape. Memory prices have risen sharply, storage costs are climbing, and graphics cards are becoming increasingly expensive to manufacture and acquire. PowerGPU’s warning reflects growing concern among system builders that the traditional balance between performance and affordability may continue to erode as the year unfolds.
