Global PC shipments experienced their sharpest decline since the first quarter of 2023

Global PC shipments faced a 20.1% year-over-year decline in the third quarter of 2026, marking the sharpest drop since the first quarter of 2023. According to data from Omdia and IDC, this downturn reflects a broader trend of market instability as manufacturers pivot toward AI and data center hardware. While the third quarter typically sees an uptick in volume due to holiday product launches, new releases have been scarce as vendors hold off on inventory or shift focus away from consumer PC hardware. Despite the decline, some vendors had stocked up on key components like RAM earlier in 2026, anticipating a worsening shortage. Industry analysts suggest that this aging inventory may lead to short-term promotions for consumers, though pricing is not expected to return to 2025 levels. Meanwhile, the PC enthusiast community continues to experiment with AI-driven software, including the use of Claude to recompile and merge games, and ongoing efforts in PS5 emulation, which have shown rapid performance improvements on high-end hardware like the RTX 5090.

Tech4K StaffVideo report

Global PC shipments faced a 20.1% year-over-year decline in the third quarter of 2026, marking the sharpest drop since the first quarter of 2023. According to data from Omdia and IDC, this downturn reflects a broader trend of market instability as manufacturers pivot toward AI and data center hardware. While the third quarter typically sees an uptick in volume due to holiday product launches, new releases have been scarce as vendors hold off on inventory or shift focus away from consumer PC hardware. Despite the decline, some vendors had stocked up on key components like RAM earlier in 2026, anticipating a worsening shortage. Industry analysts suggest that this aging inventory may lead to short-term promotions for consumers, though pricing is not expected to return to 2025 levels. Meanwhile, the PC enthusiast community continues to experiment with AI-driven software, including the use of Claude to recompile and merge games, and ongoing efforts in PS5 emulation, which have shown rapid performance improvements on high-end hardware like the RTX 5090.

Global PC shipments fell 20.1% year-over-year in the third quarter of 2026. This decline is the sharpest recorded since the first quarter of 2023.

Manufacturers are increasingly prioritizing AI and data center hardware over consumer PC products. Vendors may offer short-term promotions to clear aging inventory, but prices will remain elevated.

Modders are utilizing AI tools to recompile games and advance PS5 emulation on PC hardware.

Chapter guide

IntroductionThe host introduces the current state of the PC hardware market and acknowledges viewer feedback.Thermaltake Wood Series CasesA look at the new Thermaltake Wood Series chassis lineup, featuring various sizes and aesthetic options.PC Market DeclineAnalysis of the 20.1% drop in global PC shipments during the third quarter of 2026.AI in Gaming and EmulationDiscussion on how AI is being used for game modding and the rapid progress of PS5 emulation.ArtCraft SoftwareIntroduction of ArtCraft, a new suite of AI-developed, open-source alternatives to Adobe Creative Cloud apps.Tech BriefsUpdates on Gigabyte's BIOS support for upcoming Intel LGA1700 processors and the theft of Nvidia-branded trailers.

Worth noting

  • The report on PS5 emulation progress relies on unverified Reddit claims.
  • The information regarding Intel's 2000HX series is based on leaks.
  • The video is sponsored by Thermaltake.

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