Best Computers to Buy Now in 2026 – Before RAM Prices Push PCs Out of Reach

If you’ve been sitting on the fence about buying a new computer, 2026 is the year to stop waiting.

Across the global tech industry, RAM prices are rising fast, and that single component is quietly pushing the price of desktops, laptops, and even mini PCs higher than most people expect. What looks “reasonably priced” today could be R2,000–R4,000 more expensive later this year for the same specs.

At BuySave, we don’t believe in panic-buying – but we do believe in buying smart. This guide explains why RAM is getting expensive, how it affects computer pricing in South Africa, and which machines still make sense to buy right now before the next wave of price hikes lands.

And if you want the short version:

👉 Mini PCs are the smartest buy at the start of 2026

👉 Two standout options lead the pack: the GMKTEC G10 and the Blackview MP200 i9

Let’s break it down properly.

Why Computer Prices Are Climbing in 2026 (And It’s Not Just Inflation)

Most people assume higher PC prices are caused by exchange rates or shipping. Those matter, but RAM is the real pressure point in 2026.

The Real Reasons RAM Is So Expensive Right Now

1. AI is consuming memory at an unprecedented scaleModern AI servers don’t just need CPUs and GPUs – they need massive amounts of high-speed RAM. Large data centres are buying RAM in volumes the consumer market simply can’t compete with.

2. DDR5 is now the standard – and it’s not cheapDDR4 is being phased out across many manufacturers. DDR5 offers better performance and efficiency, but it:

• Costs more to manufacture

• Has lower yield rates

• Is in higher demand than supply can comfortably handle

3. Manufacturers control supply to protect marginsRAM producers learned a lesson during past oversupply cycles. In 2026, production is being carefully controlled, keeping prices elevated.

4. Every PC needs more RAM than beforeWindows 11, browsers, cloud apps, and background services have turned 16GB from “high-end” into “minimum sensible”. That doubles RAM cost compared to just a few years ago.

📌 Bottom line: When RAM goes up, everything goes up with it – laptops, desktops, and mini PCs alike.

Why Buying a Computer Later in 2026 Is Likely a Bad Idea

Here’s the uncomfortable truth:PCs aren’t getting better value – they’re just getting more expensive.

Later in 2026, you’re likely to see:

• Entry-level PCs stuck at 8GB RAM but costing more

• Mid-range machines priced like yesterday’s high-end models

• “Specials” that quietly downgrade storage or memory

Waiting doesn’t mean better deals anymore. It usually means paying more for less.

That’s why buying now, while properly specced systems are still available at sane prices, is the smarter move.

Why Mini PCs Are the Best Computers to Buy in 2026

This is where things get interesting.

Mini PCs aren’t a compromise anymore – they’re often the most rational choice for homes, offices, students, and even power users.

Why Mini PCs Beat Traditional Desktops in 2026

• Lower RAM overhead (better optimisation, less wasted memory)

• Far better value per rand

• Desktop-class CPUs without desktop pricing

• Tiny footprint, low power usage, less heat

• Easy to upgrade RAM and SSD later if needed

At BuySave, we’ve seen a clear shift:Customers who would’ve bought a bulky tower in 2023 are choosing mini PCs in 2026 – and not looking back.

Top Pick #1: GMKTEC G10 – The Smart Buy for 2026

If there’s one computer that perfectly matches the realities of 2026 pricing, it’s the GMKTEC G10 from GMKTEC.

Why the GMKTEC G10 Makes So Much Sense Right Now

This isn’t about flashy specs. It’s about balanced, usable performance that avoids the RAM pricing trap.

What it’s great at:

• Office work, accounting, admin

• Online schooling and university work

• Home office setups

• Streaming, browsing, and everyday productivity

• Light gaming and emulation

Why it’s a smart buy now:

• Excellent performance without requiring excessive RAM

• Typically available with 16GB RAM, which is the sweet spot for 2026

• Far cheaper than similarly performing laptops

• Lower power usage = lower long-term running costs

The G10 is exactly the type of machine that will quietly disappear from the market once component prices rise. When it does, replacements won’t be cheaper – they’ll be worse value.

Top Pick #2: Blackview MP200 i9 – Serious Power Without the Desktop Price

For users who want raw power without paying workstation prices, the Blackview MP200 i9 is one of the most compelling machines available at the start of 2026.

Built by Blackview, this mini PC proves just how far compact computing has come.

Why the MP200 i9 Is a Standout

This machine is not entry-level. It’s designed for people who actually use their computers hard.

Ideal for:

• Heavy multitasking

• Development work

• Content creation

• Business users running demanding software

• Users who want desktop-level power in a compact form

Why it beats waiting:

• High-end CPUs paired with reasonable RAM configurations today

• Competing systems later in 2026 will cost significantly more

• Laptops with similar performance are often R8,000–R12,000 more expensive

In a world where RAM inflation punishes high-performance buyers the most, the MP200 i9 is a rare opportunity to lock in serious power at today’s prices.

Laptop vs Desktop vs Mini PC in 2026 – The Honest Comparison

Type	Reality in 2026
Laptops	Convenient, but overpriced due to RAM + battery + display costs
Traditional Desktops	Powerful, but bulky and no longer cheap
Mini PCs	Best balance of price, performance, and future-proofing

For most buyers, mini PCs now sit in the sweet spot.

The Biggest Mistake Buyers Will Make in 2026

Waiting for:

• “Next-gen” releases

• “Better specials”

• “Prices to stabilise”

RAM pricing doesn’t work like that anymore.

What usually happens instead:

• Same PC, higher price

• Lower RAM, same price

• Older CPU, marketed as “new”

Buying early in 2026 avoids all three.

Final Advice: Buy the Right Computer, Not the Cheapest One

At BuySave, we see it every week: customers upgrading too late and wondering why prices jumped so quickly.

If you’re buying a computer in 2026, do it with intent:

• Aim for 16GB RAM minimum

• Choose machines that offer real value, not marketing fluff

• Avoid under-specced “deals” that won’t age well

Our Top Recommendations Right Now

• Best value all-rounder: GMKTEC G10

• Best high-performance compact PC: Blackview MP200 i9

Both represent smart buying before RAM inflation fully hits.

If you’re unsure which option fits your needs, reach out to the BuySave team. We don’t upsell – we help you buy once, and buy right.

Mini PC. Maxi Power.