Motherboard Prices Rise 15-50% on PCB Costs as ASUS, Gigabyte Lead Hikes

Motherboard prices are climbing again, and buyers looking to build or upgrade a PC this fall should expect to pay more. Major manufacturers including ASUS, MSI, and Gigabyte raised their prices in August 2024 after a period of stability. This shift means that the cost of entry for mid-range and high-end gaming rigs has increased significantly compared to earlier in the year.

Major brands raise prices by $5 to $50 as component costs surge

The price hikes affect a wide range of products across the industry, from budget boards to enthusiast-grade models. Chinese brands like Colorful and Maxsun also adjusted their pricing, though their increases were generally smaller than those from Western manufacturers. MSI applied broader increases across its lineup, while ASUS and Gigabyte focused on specific key models.

• PCB Price Increase: 15% to 50%
• Capacitor Price Increase: Approximately 50%
• Wi-Fi Module Price Increase: 10% to 20%
• Production Cost Increase: Minimum 10%
• ASUS/Gigabyte Price Hike: $5 to $50

The primary driver behind these increases is a sharp rise in the cost of upstream raw materials. PCB prices have jumped between 15% and 50%, while capacitor costs have risen by approximately 50%. Wi-Fi module prices also increased by 10% to 20%, pushing total production costs up by at least 10%.

These component costs forced manufacturers to pass savings losses onto consumers. ASUS and Gigabyte raised prices by $5 to $50 on targeted models, while Chinese brands saw increases of $10 to $20. The initial August hikes averaged around 3%, but the underlying cost pressure remains high.

Declining motherboard sales throughout 2024 have squeezed manufacturer profitability, making these price adjustments necessary for survival. Industry sources indicate that the trend of rising component costs may continue, leaving the door open for further price increases in the coming months.

Shoppers should budget accordingly for new builds, as the era of flat or falling motherboard prices appears to be over for now. The combination of higher material costs and weaker demand has created a challenging environment for both manufacturers and consumers.