PC hardware prices continue to skyrocket due to the RAM crisis — but not for OLED gaming monitors, and now's the best time to buy one

The RAM crisis continues to wipe out some PC hardware components, with price hikes limiting consumers' purchasing options, notably for GPUs, storage, and undoubtedly, memory kits. It's all thanks to the ongoing AI boom, which shows no signs of bursting, and could last throughout 2026.

Fortunately, not all PC components are impacted by the crisis, and OLED gaming monitors remain untouched. It's not a huge surprise, since gaming monitors don't use RAM, but anything PC-related is at risk of being hit by the raging crisis.

OLED gaming monitors are undoubtedly the best monitors when it comes to contrast levels. They provide the best black levels in images, meaning you're getting the optimal picture quality across games and movies.

Enter: the Asus ROG Strix OLED XG32UCWG, available on Amazon for $799 (was $999). For UK folks, the Asus ROG Strix OLED XG32UCWMG is available on Amazon for £829 (was £1,049). This is a TrueBlack Glossy OLED 4K display that effectively reduces reflections and improves deep black levels, even in brightly lit environments.

The ROG Strix OLED XG32UCWG is also a dual-mode monitor, which makes 4K gaming at a 165Hz refresh rate or 1080p at 330Hz possible, with the latter being ideal for competitive gamers. Its counterpart, the XG32UCWMG, also has a dual-mode feature, but is 4K at 240Hz and 1080p at 480Hz.

US deal

Save 20% ($200)

Asus ROG Strix OLED XG32UCWG: was $999 now $799 at Amazon

The Asus ROG Strix OLED XG32UCWG monitor is ideal for PC gamers, and competitive gamers in particular. Its dual mode makes room for much higher refresh rates for smooth gameplay at 1080p. With a 4K resolution and OLED panel, there's plenty for single-player gamers to enjoy as well, including great contrast improving visuals across the board.

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UK deal

Save 21% (£220)

Asus ROG Strix OLED XG32UCWMG: was £1,049 now £829 at Amazon

Slightly different from the US option above, the ROG Strix OLED XG32UCWMG provides higher refresh rates at 4K and 1080p, with 240Hz and 480Hz, respectively. With a TrueBlack Glossy OLED panel, you'll be able to get the best from the visuals thanks to deeper black levels in games and movies, even in a brightly lit room.

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It's great to see OLED monitors prices gradually fall, and while the discounts here aren't exactly massive, they serve as examples of how OLED displays are becoming far more mainstream.

If you're lucky enough to own capable PC hardware for 4K gaming, these Asus ROG Strix monitors are among the best options to purchase, while the focus narrows on components directly impacted by the RAM crisis.

The PC hardware market's current state is unprecedented, and the RAM crisis struck suddenly, so it's not impossible to see shortages or price hikes of other components unrelated to RAM at some point in the future. Thankfully, that currently doesn't (and hopefully shouldn't) include gaming monitors.

While OLED displays are becoming more affordable, I'd act as fast as possible while the trend of plummeting prices lasts.