If you have been keeping an eye on PC hardware prices lately, you already know the story hasn't been a happy one. RAM and SSD prices have climbed sharply over the past year, driven by a global memory shortage that shows no real signs of easing. Unfortunately, it now looks like the ripple effects may be spreading further across the PC hardware ecosystem.

This time, power supply units (PSUs) and CPU coolers may be next in line for price increases.

Why PSUs and CPU Coolers Are Being Affected

According to recent industry chatter, a Chinese electronics manufacturer has notified its customers about upcoming price adjustments across several PC components. The estimates suggest PSUs could see price increases in the range of 6% to 10%, while heatsinks, a core component of CPU coolers, may rise by around 6% to 8%.

On their own, those percentages may not sound dramatic. However, when combined with already-inflated GPU, memory, and storage costs, even modest increases can push complete system builds well beyond their original budgets.

The Real Culprit: Rising Material Costs

At the heart of the issue is the rising cost of raw materials. Metals such as copper, silver, and tin have become significantly more expensive over recent months. These materials are essential for electronics manufacturing, particularly in PSUs and cooling solutions where conductivity and heat dissipation are critical.

What's driving this surge in demand? A large part of the answer lies in the ongoing AI boom. Data centres, AI accelerators, and enterprise hardware consume massive amounts of components and materials, putting additional strain on already tight supply chains. Consumer PC hardware is effectively competing with industrial-scale buyers for the same resources.

Changes to Supplier Pricing and Promotions

The manufacturer's notice also pointed out that upstream suppliers have stopped accepting orders at older pricing as of early January. Any new orders placed after that cutoff are now subject to the updated, higher costs. On top of that, promotional pricing policies are being phased out, meaning discounts that previously softened the blow are disappearing as well.

More concerning is the claim that over 90% of the company's product lineup will be affected. If accurate, this suggests the increases are not limited to niche or premium products but may extend across entry-level and mainstream hardware too.

What This Means for PC Builders and Upgraders

While this notice was issued to business partners rather than directly to consumers, it may serve as an early warning sign. If manufacturers and suppliers continue to face higher production costs, those expenses are almost always passed down the chain eventually.

For PC builders, this could mean higher prices on components that were once considered relatively stable and affordable. For upgraders, it might make holding onto existing hardware a little longer feel like the smarter option.

A Note of Caution

That said, it's worth approaching this information carefully. The details have not been officially confirmed across the broader industry, and pricing strategies can vary widely between brands and regions. Some manufacturers may absorb part of the cost increase, while others may delay changes depending on inventory levels.

Still, when combined with current trends in memory pricing and AI-driven demand, the possibility of PSU and CPU cooler price hikes does not feel far-fetched.

Final Thoughts

If you are planning a new PC build or a major upgrade, it may be worth keeping a close eye on hardware prices over the coming weeks. The PC market has been anything but predictable lately, and even traditionally "safe" components are no longer immune to sudden shifts.

Whether this turns into a widespread price hike or remains limited to certain suppliers remains to be seen, but the warning signs are certainly there.