Computer Purchasing Reminder – Ongoing Pricing Increases & Lead Time Impacts
Dear Colleagues,
Business & Financial Services (BFS) and Information Technology Solutions (ITS) would like to make departments aware of continued industry-wide demand for memory and storage chips impacting computer hardware pricing and availability.
Due to the ongoing global memory shortage and related supply chain pressures, UC Riverside continues to experience:
- Increased computer and hardware pricing
- Extended lead times ranging from approximately 6 to 14 weeks
- Potential backorders or model substitutions for standard devices
Departments are encouraged to communicate this information broadly within their units, particularly to faculty, researchers, and departmental purchasing staff who may have time-sensitive instructional, research, or operational purchasing needs.
Important Considerations
Please also note that if a product is placed on backorder by the supplier, any additional pricing increases that take effect before the item ships may be passed on to the university, even if the original quote reflected a lower price.
A recent pricing increase took effect on June 1, 2026, and additional increases may occur in the coming months, particularly for unshipped orders or devices impacted by ongoing supply constraints. Departments planning computer purchases are encouraged to submit orders as early as possible to help minimize pricing and availability impacts.
While Lenovo remains the university's preferred standard device provider, these market conditions may affect hardware purchases across manufacturers and suppliers. Departments should anticipate potential pricing fluctuations, extended lead times, and product availability challenges regardless of vendor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are prices continuing to increase?
The global memory shortage continues to impact manufacturers and suppliers across the industry, resulting in increased hardware costs and reduced inventory.
How long are current lead times?
Current estimated lead times may range from 6 to 14 weeks depending on device type and manufacturer availability.
What happens if my selected device becomes unavailable?
In some cases, standard models may become unavailable or delayed. ITS may recommend alternative devices that meet business requirements and available inventory timelines.
Should departments place orders now?
Yes. Departments anticipating computer purchases in the coming months are encouraged to place orders as early as possible due to continued pricing volatility and supply constraints.
Does this apply to Dell orders as well?
Yes. CDW-G is also the university’s Dell hardware reseller, so Dell hardware purchases may be impacted by the same pricing and availability conditions.
Where can I find additional information?
Please review the following ITS knowledge articles for updated ordering information and supported device guidance:
Questions regarding CDW-G ordering or ITS support may be directed to Michelle Ybarra at michelle.ybarra@ucr.edu.
We appreciate your partnership and patience as the university navigates these ongoing industry supply challenges.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Meadows, Chief Procurement Officer
Business and Financial Services | Procurement Services
https://procurement.ucr.edu/
Lily Barger, Director of Computing Support Services
Information Technology Solutions
lily.barger@ucr.edu