Shortage of RAM and SSD in 2026: Why 32GB is stressed first (and how to secure laptops for onboarding in LATAM)
If your company is hiring in Latin America, there is a silent risk that can take a long time Onboarding and replacements: the volatility of components (RAM and storage)) is pushing for more frequent increases and, above all, quotes with lower validity in several manufacturers.
This article explains the context in simple terms, and reduces it to concrete actions so that PYou can enter, buy and execute without your operation depending on “if there is stock” or unannounced delays.
Summary in 60 seconds
- In 2026 (especially in Q1), strong pressure is projected on DRAM (RAM) and NAND (SSD) costs), which is usually transferred to laptop lists and configurations.
- Internally, our purchasing team has already received notices of quarterly adjustments on Windows computers (Dell/Lenovo) and the need to shorten the validity of quotes.
- 32GB tends to strain before 16GB because it's becoming the new corporate standard (more demand, more bottlenecks).
- The best strategy in LATAM: buy in advance + choose standard configurations “in place” + close quick order.
What we're seeing in 2026 (market estimates that we follow)
Important: These percentages usually refer to components (DRAM/NAND) and do not imply that the laptop goes up “1 to 1”. But they do explain why the market is becoming more volatile and why brands adjust price lists and validity.
[TABLE]
What's going on (the root of the problem)
In January—February 2026, several industry reports and communications have been marking the same thing:
- very strong demand driven by AI infrastructure,
- limited supply/adjusted capacity,
- and a market where availability and price move faster than in a “normal” cycle.
Lenovo, for example, informed the market that the limited availability of components (especially memory and storage) is impacting costs, and that there will be more clarity between standard (more predictable) configurations and customized solutions (longer deadlines).
Practical translation: it's not just “go up the price”. The big problem is that Predictability is broken.
What changes in Windows purchases (Dell/Lenovo): go up + shorter quotes
Our purchasing team shared a clear internal update:
- Dell and Lenovo reported price increases between 10% and 20% quarterly (in some lines/configurations).
- The main driver: RAM and storage shortage/pressure.
- Operational consequence: reduce the validity time of quotes. Brands aren't being flexible about maintaining prices for long periods of time.
What does it mean to you
- Quoting is not enough: if you need to ensure conditions, the most important thing is Close the order within the validity period.
- Custom configurations (CTO) are more fragile: more RAM/SSD usually means more variability in price and lead time.
Quarterly planning: if you have constant hiring, avoid buying “just when you need it”.
¿Nuevo en el tema?
Si recién estás montando un proceso de gestión de activos IT, empezar por el DSN es lo que más fricción te ahorra a futuro. Más que una buena práctica, es la fuente de verdad a la que van a apuntar todos los demás procesos.
Shortage of RAM and SSD in 2026: Why 32GB is stressed first (and how to secure laptops for onboarding in LATAM)
If your company is hiring in Latin America, there is a silent risk that can take a long time Onboarding and replacements: the volatility of components (RAM and storage)) is pushing for more frequent increases and, above all, quotes with lower validity in several manufacturers.
This article explains the context in simple terms, and reduces it to concrete actions so that PYou can enter, buy and execute without your operation depending on “if there is stock” or unannounced delays.
Summary in 60 seconds
- In 2026 (especially in Q1), strong pressure is projected on DRAM (RAM) and NAND (SSD) costs), which is usually transferred to laptop lists and configurations.
- Internally, our purchasing team has already received notices of quarterly adjustments on Windows computers (Dell/Lenovo) and the need to shorten the validity of quotes.
- 32GB tends to strain before 16GB because it's becoming the new corporate standard (more demand, more bottlenecks).
- The best strategy in LATAM: buy in advance + choose standard configurations “in place” + close quick order.
What we're seeing in 2026 (market estimates that we follow)
Important: These percentages usually refer to components (DRAM/NAND) and do not imply that the laptop goes up “1 to 1”. But they do explain why the market is becoming more volatile and why brands adjust price lists and validity.
[TABLE]
What's going on (the root of the problem)
In January—February 2026, several industry reports and communications have been marking the same thing:
- very strong demand driven by AI infrastructure,
- limited supply/adjusted capacity,
- and a market where availability and price move faster than in a “normal” cycle.
Lenovo, for example, informed the market that the limited availability of components (especially memory and storage) is impacting costs, and that there will be more clarity between standard (more predictable) configurations and customized solutions (longer deadlines).
Practical translation: it's not just “go up the price”. The big problem is that Predictability is broken.
What changes in Windows purchases (Dell/Lenovo): go up + shorter quotes
Our purchasing team shared a clear internal update:
- Dell and Lenovo reported price increases between 10% and 20% quarterly (in some lines/configurations).
- The main driver: RAM and storage shortage/pressure.
- Operational consequence: reduce the validity time of quotes. Brands aren't being flexible about maintaining prices for long periods of time.
What does it mean to you
- Quoting is not enough: if you need to ensure conditions, the most important thing is Close the order within the validity period.
- Custom configurations (CTO) are more fragile: more RAM/SSD usually means more variability in price and lead time.
Quarterly planning: if you have constant hiring, avoid buying “just when you need it”.
