Computer parts keep getting pricier for gamers. Reports claim Taiwan-based companies ASUS, MSI, and Gigabyte plan to raise motherboard prices again. This follows a tough period where Intel boards already cost 40 percent more than before the pandemic. AMD boards also jumped 35 percent in average selling price during that time.
Nobody knows exactly when these price hikes will happen. The increases might soon affect current AMD and Intel 800-series motherboards. Several factors could cause these changes, though companies haven't publicly stated specific reasons. The US government temporarily exempted computer parts from China from extra fees, but that protection will eventually end.
Trade tensions between countries affect worldwide markets as manufacturers adjust prices to avoid tariffs. Production costs have climbed because of better technology requirements. Circuit boards need higher-grade copper, which costs more these days. Labor expenses have increased alongside new tech standards like PCIe 5.0 and USB 4.0.
Companies might raise prices on older motherboards as well. They often make such changes without any announcements. Intel's LGA 1700 socket is currently the most popular, but newer sockets from both companies exist. Many budget AMD 800 series boards already cost over $300.
Another price increase would make building computers harder for many people. The market had started recovering from earlier price jumps. These changes hit consumers who already pay more for computer parts than ever before.
Nobody knows exactly when these price hikes will happen. The increases might soon affect current AMD and Intel 800-series motherboards. Several factors could cause these changes, though companies haven't publicly stated specific reasons. The US government temporarily exempted computer parts from China from extra fees, but that protection will eventually end.
Trade tensions between countries affect worldwide markets as manufacturers adjust prices to avoid tariffs. Production costs have climbed because of better technology requirements. Circuit boards need higher-grade copper, which costs more these days. Labor expenses have increased alongside new tech standards like PCIe 5.0 and USB 4.0.
Companies might raise prices on older motherboards as well. They often make such changes without any announcements. Intel's LGA 1700 socket is currently the most popular, but newer sockets from both companies exist. Many budget AMD 800 series boards already cost over $300.
Another price increase would make building computers harder for many people. The market had started recovering from earlier price jumps. These changes hit consumers who already pay more for computer parts than ever before.
