Channelgate Warns PC Motherboard Costs Could Jump as Parts Get Pricier
PC mainboards have so far avoided the most dramatic price swings, but new cost pressure is building behind the scenes. A recent industry warning from Channelgate points to sharply higher expenses for circuit boards, passive components, and wireless modules—ingredients that feed directly into motherboard bills of materials.
Quick facts
- Channelgate warned of upcoming motherboard price increases tied to higher component costs
- Circuit boards are reported up 15% to 50%
- Capacitors are described as having risen by about 50% in price
- Wi‑Fi modules are reported 10% to 20% more expensive
- Overall raw-material cost impacts could add up to as much as 10% to motherboards
- So far, only a small number of major models have increased, typically around 3%
- MSI reportedly raised prices across its lineup
- Asus and Gigabyte reportedly increased only flagship models by the equivalent of roughly €6–€7
- Colorful and Maxsun reportedly increased by about €3 per unit
- Reported figures are retail trade prices
Channelgate initially circulated the concern in late July 2026 via WeChat, citing rising costs for printed circuit boards, passive parts, and chips. At the time, the message suggested that price adjustments could be coming as suppliers pass through more of those increases.
By early September, the warning became more specific: motherboard makers are reportedly expecting additional cost growth rather than stabilization. The key driver is the cost of required inputs, with circuit boards now stated to be significantly more expensive than before, and capacitors and Wi‑Fi components also moving upward.
Where the extra cost is coming from
Channelgate’s breakdown ties the change to three categories of hardware inputs. Printed circuit boards are said to have increased by 15% to 50%. Capacitors are described as having undergone a roughly 50% price jump, and Wi‑Fi modules are reported to be up 10% to 20%.
Because a motherboard relies on multiple circuit boards plus many other components, the raw-material pressure is estimated to influence the final product by as much as 10%. Even with that ceiling, early pricing behavior suggests the market may not be fully absorbing those increases yet.
Are motherboard prices already rising?
Despite the expected input-cost lift, only a limited set of models from large motherboard brands have reportedly gotten more expensive so far—and the increases have generally been modest. The reported range for many early adjustments is around 3%.
MSI is singled out for raising prices across its models. Asus and Gigabyte, meanwhile, are said to have focused increases on flagship products only, with the equivalent of roughly €6 to €7 added. Chinese brands including Colorful and Maxsun reportedly raised pricing by about €3 per unit.
Those figures are described as trade prices, not final consumer sticker prices. The small early moves are an indication that manufacturers may be absorbing a large portion of costs internally to avoid forcing the full burden onto retailers and customers.
One reason this approach could be happening is weaker hardware demand tied to steep RAM price hikes, which can reduce overall system-building momentum. Still, companies need to stay profitable, so visible motherboard price rises in the near term are not ruled out if input costs keep climbing.
