CES 2026’s Top Tech Defies Storage & RAM Shortages

The CES 2026 showcase was overwhelmingly defined by artificial intelligence, yet a significant hardware shortage cast a long shadow over the event. A severe industry-wide scarcity of RAM and storage components led to a notable absence of new consumer GPU launches and very few reveals for solid-state drives or memory kits. This constrained environment made manufacturers hesitant about pricing for upcoming laptops and desktops, though higher costs are anticipated. Despite these market challenges, innovation persisted across the Las Vegas show floor, with compelling new technology emerging from both expected and surprising corners.

While the lack of new graphics cards made for a subdued gaming PC scene, Intel’s Panther Lake and AMD’s Gorgon Point processors provided a catalyst for new mobile designs. Dell notably reversed a controversial redesign with its latest XPS laptops. Companies like Lenovo and Asus generated excitement with conceptual and visually striking desktops, and ASRock entered the all-in-one cooler arena with a unique dual-pump design.

Best CPU: Intel Core Ultra Series 3 “Panther Lake” The CPU landscape at CES 2026 was quiet, making Intel’s formal unveiling of Panther Lake a standout. This launch is significant not just for its performance targets but for what it symbolizes for Intel’s manufacturing roadmap. Panther Lake is positioned as the culmination of years of architectural planning, aiming to combine the AI capabilities of Meteor Lake, the efficiency of Lunar Lake, and the performance of Arrow Lake into a single package. It also features an integrated GPU claimed to rival entry-level discrete graphics. If Intel’s promises hold, Panther Lake could be a milestone chip without the traditional compromises of recent generations.

Best GPU: MSI RTX 5090 Lightning Z In a show with few new consumer graphics cards, MSI’s extreme custom RTX 5090 made a major impression. The Lightning Z is built for record-breaking overclocking, equipped with dual power connectors, a massive 40-phase voltage regulator module, and a robust cooling system anchored by a 360mm radiator. For competitive overclockers, MSI even offers a special BIOS that allows pushing far beyond standard power limits, cementing this card’s status as the most ambitious RTX 5090 on display.

Best Laptop: Dell XPS 14 and XPS 16 Dell executed a notable course correction with its new XPS 14 and 16, addressing key criticisms of previous models. The redesigned chassis is thinner and lighter, and it importantly brings back a full-function row of keys, eliminating the problematic capacitive touchbar. Enhancements to the touchpad and display options, including a variable refresh rate panel for power savings, highlight a thoughtful redesign. Powered by Intel’s Panther Lake chips with their potent integrated graphics, these laptops signal a promising return to form for the XPS line.

Best Gaming Laptop: Asus TUF Gaming A14 With no new mobile GPUs, attention turned to advanced integrated graphics. The Asus TUF Gaming A14 stood out by incorporating AMD’s powerful Strix Halo APU into a mainstream gaming laptop form factor. This system can deliver up to 85W of thermal performance in turbo mode and supports USB-C charging. It represents a bold bet on the sufficiency of modern integrated graphics for mobile gaming, though its final market impact will depend heavily on Asus’s pricing strategy.

Best Gaming PC: Asus ROG G1000 A standout in a year with few exciting prebuilt desktops, the Asus ROG G1000 is impossible to ignore. Its massive case is adorned with fans that project customizable holograms, creating a truly unique visual spectacle. Beyond the flash, it packs high-end components like an RTX 5090 and a Ryzen 9950X3D, with a clever cooling chamber that draws air directly from outside the case. This system is built for those who want their PC to be a centerpiece.

Best Gaming Monitor: MSI MPG 341CQR QD-OLED X36 MSI’s new monitor utilizes a fifth-generation QD-OLED panel that directly tackles previous shortcomings like text fringing through a new RGB stripe subpixel layout. It offers a 3440×1440 resolution on a 34-inch curved screen, with a blazing 360Hz refresh rate and a 0.03ms response time. Features like multiple high-speed ports and an AI sensor that manages panel health based on user presence make it a comprehensive package for enthusiasts.

Best Productivity Monitor: Dell UltraSharp 52 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor For productivity power users, Dell unveiled a behemoth. The 52-inch UltraSharp monitor boasts a staggering 6144×2560 resolution, leveraging IPS Black technology for improved contrast. It functions as a true hub, with a vast array of ports including Thunderbolt 4 and a 2.5GbE LAN port, plus a KVM switch to control multiple computers. This monitor is a desk-dominating command center designed for serious multitasking.

Best Power Supply: MSI MPG AI1600TS PCIE5 Addressing widespread concerns over GPU power connector safety, MSI’s flagship power supply introduces a proactive “GPU Safeguard+” feature. It monitors each pin on its 12V-2×6 connectors for uneven loads and can alert the user or shut down the system to prevent damage. With an 80-PLUS Titanium rating, high-quality components, and thoughtful accessories like dual-colored cables for correct seating, it’s designed as a premium, safety-first choice for high-end builds.

Best Motherboard: MSI MEG X870E Unify-X MAX Catering to overclocking enthusiasts, MSI’s motherboard features a two-DIMM configuration optimized for pushing memory speeds, with support claimed beyond DDR5-10000. A robust power delivery system and an included hardware tuning controller facilitate extreme tweaking. Beyond its performance focus, it doesn’t skimp on features, offering multiple PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 7, and USB4 connectivity.

Best Concept: Lenovo Legion Pro Lenovo showcased a fascinating glimpse into a possible future for gaming laptops with its Legion Pro concept. This device features a motorized, horizontally expanding OLED display that can extend from a standard 16-inch size up to 24 inches. While still a prototype requiring refinement, the idea of carrying a large, high-resolution screen in a relatively compact chassis presents an exciting solution for gamers and creators who crave more screen real estate on the go.

Best Keyboard: Corsair Galleon 100SD Corsair merged a full-size mechanical keyboard with a Stream Deck, creating the Galleon 100SD. It integrates 12 customizable LCD keys, two dials, and a screen directly into the keyboard frame. Built with enthusiast features like a gasket-mounted PCB and sound-dampening foam, it caters to both streamers and gamers who want extensive macro control without a separate accessory cluttering their desk.

Best 3D Printer: Creality Sparkx i7 Aimed at making 3D printing more accessible, the Sparkx i7 combines capable hardware with beginner-friendly software. Its AI-powered CubeMe software can transform 2D photos into 3D models, simplifying the design process. The printer itself offers a good build volume, high print speeds, and features like a tool-free hotend swap, positioning it as a strong entry-point into the hobby.

Best Mouse (Pointing Device?): Keychron Nape Pro Keychron reimagined the trackball as a compact, standalone peripheral designed to sit alongside a mechanical keyboard. The Nape Pro features a large central trackball surrounded by programmable buttons, allowing for cursor control with minimal hand movement. Its slim, wireless design offers flexibility in placement for a more ergonomic workflow.

Best Headset: Audeze Maxwell 2 The second generation of Audeze’s gaming headset builds upon an already excellent foundation. The key upgrade is the incorporation of the company’s “SLAM” technology, designed to enhance spatial audio immersion and precision. Combined with improved noise-canceling microphones, a more comfortable headband, and the same long battery life, the Maxwell 2 aims to be a top-tier choice for critical listening in games and music.

Best PC Case: CyberPowerPC MA-01 With its flowing curves, curved glass, and meticulous attention to detail, the MA-01 case made a strong aesthetic statement. Features like analog knobs for RGB control, louvered vents for targeted airflow, and a woven steel mesh top for quiet exhaust demonstrate thoughtful design. It presents a clean, modern alternative in the PC enclosure market.

Best Cooler: Thermaltake Retro Ultra AIO Thermaltake took a nostalgic approach with its Retro Ultra all-in-one cooler. Its pump unit is styled to resemble a classic CRT monitor, complete with a customizable LCD screen. Available in 240mm and 360mm sizes, this cooler pairs with Thermaltake’s retro-themed cases to create a cohesive vintage-inspired build aesthetic with modern cooling performance.

Best Toy Tech: Lego Smart Play Lego introduced an innovative new system that embeds smart technology directly into standard bricks. These “Smart Play” bricks contain a microchip, sensors, speakers, and Bluetooth, allowing creations to interact with each other and with special tags without a separate app or hub. Initially launching in select Star Wars sets, this technology could open new avenues for interactive play.

Best Retro-inspired PC Case: Thermaltake Retro 260/360 TG Complementing its retro cooler, Thermaltake unveiled cases that faithfully capture the look of 80s and 90s PCs. The Retro 260 and 360 TG feature design cues like faux floppy and optical drive bays in a classic off-white color. Behind the vintage facade, they support modern components with ample cooling and contemporary front-panel I/O, offering a nostalgic shell for cutting-edge hardware.

(Source: Tom’s Hardware)