Building a gaming PC could soon become even more expensive. A new industry report claims motherboard prices may be the next to increase, adding to a growing list of PC components that have already become more expensive throughout 2026.
According to a post on the Chinese tech forum Board Channels, first spotted by VideoCardz, the cost of printed circuit boards (PCBs), a key component used in motherboards, could rise by as much as 50% during the third quarter of 2026.
PCB costs and weaker DIY demand
The report claims motherboard manufacturers are facing higher production costs due to rising PCB prices and more expensive raw materials.
It also points to another challenge: a shrinking DIY PC market. With fewer people building their own computers, motherboard makers such as ASUS, MSI, and Gigabyte may need to increase prices to offset lower sales volumes.
For now, however, the report remains unconfirmed and should be treated with caution.
Prices haven’t increased… yet
Despite the report, motherboard prices haven’t noticeably increased at retail, at least for now.
One example is the ASUS ROG Strix X870E Gaming WiFi motherboard. Amazon price history shows the board has actually become cheaper over the past year rather than more expensive.
The motherboard previously reached a high of US$499.99 in January 2025 before dropping to US$387.84 as of August 1, 2026. Its lowest recorded price was US$356, while the average selling price sits at around US$380.54.
That suggests any reported price increases have yet to reach consumers, even though Q3 2026 is already underway.
Another blow to PC builders
The report arrives as PC hardware prices continue climbing across multiple categories.
Since the beginning of 2026, RAM, graphics cards, SSDs, and processors have all seen price increases, largely driven by growing demand from the AI industry.
Memory prices have been among the hardest hit, with the ongoing RAM shortage showing little sign of easing. Valve engineers have previously warned that prices continue to worsen, while the impact has also spread beyond PC hardware. Microsoft recently increased the price of the Xbox Series X 1TB with a disc drive to US$799.
If motherboard prices also begin rising, the total cost of building a gaming PC could increase even further, making PC gaming an even more expensive hobby.
For now, the information comes from an industry forum report and has not been confirmed by motherboard manufacturers. Until companies such as ASUS, MSI, or Gigabyte announce pricing changes, the reported increase should be treated as unofficial.