Amidst the ongoing memory crisis and escalating prices for RAM, SSDs, and GPUs, interest in upgrading and purchasing new PCs is rapidly diminishing. Most individuals who were considering a new computer are opting to wait for prices to normalize. However, with the booming AI sector and substantial investments in it, this normalization appears unlikely in the near future, as demand is expected to remain exceptionally high throughout this year and likely the next. Consumers are coming to terms with the reality of not upgrading or buying new PCs, as reports indicate a staggering 44% decrease in PC motherboard sales in April 2026 compared to the previous year.
A PC is an incredibly useful device, serving us for studying, working, and entertainment. It offers thousands of programs designed for productivity, far exceeding the capabilities of typical mobile apps. For leisure time, PCs allow us to play video games, watch movies and series, read, or engage in any activity we desire. Despite the inherent utility of a computer, some individuals no longer prioritize owning one and are content with their aging PCs that barely manage to run Windows 11.
PC Motherboard Sales in China Dropped 44% in April 2026 Compared to April 2025, and 9% Compared to March 2026
With the surge in RAM prices, purchasing a new PC has become significantly more expensive, even when considering second-hand components. The same applies to upgrading an existing computer, as RAM isn’t the only component whose price has increased, making it difficult to justify purchasing new parts unless absolutely necessary. Motherboard purchases are typically driven by two primary reasons: either upgrading to a new Intel/AMD platform or replacing a broken motherboard.
Regardless of the reason, motherboard sales have plummeted so far this year. In April alone, sales fell by 44% compared to the same period last year. When compared to the previous month’s data, there’s a 9% drop from March 2026. These statistics are from the Chinese market, but they don’t seem entirely exaggerated when considering that a survey by Tom’s Hardware among US users revealed that 75% did not intend to purchase a PC for at least two years.
ASUS Leads Sales but Experiences the Largest Drop in April vs. March 2026
Returning to the decline in motherboard sales in China, ASUS remains the most popular brand but experienced one of the most significant sales drops (green represents March, and yellow represents April). GIGABYTE follows in second place; however, this brand saw an increase in sales, making it the fastest-growing brand in April despite the challenging market conditions. In third place is MSI, which, like ASUS, sold considerably more in March compared to April.
In fourth place is Colorful. While not widely known in some regions, it holds significant popularity in China. This brand didn’t see a substantial difference in sales, though sales did increase in April. Beyond this point, the remaining brands are difficult to identify as their names are in Chinese, but ASRock is likely in fifth place or close to it. With the sales slump, brands are eagerly anticipating the 618 Shopping Festival, an annual event where major e-commerce platforms offer significant discounts and record sales, so there’s hope for a market recovery.
