Rising memory costs boost demand for refurbished business technology

Rising memory prices are making refurbished computers and other technology more attractive to businesses, while longer warranties help reduce concerns about buying secondhand. The shift also gives organisations a way to recover value from older equipment and supports efforts to cut their carbon footprint.

Memory costs have risen more than fourfold this year as manufacturers prioritise high-bandwidth memory for AI data centres, and many businesses are extending equipment lifespans amid economic uncertainty. Omdia analyst Ben Caddy predicts that by 2030, partners will take back 35 per cent of hardware sold through the channel. Suppliers say limited availability and customers’ trust in refurbishment remain challenges; some are offering trade-ins, two- or three-year warranties and working towards common verification standards.