PC Hardware: the New Frontier in Tech Investment

The PC hardware industry has seen a major resurgence in the past few years. With remote work and e-learning becoming the norm during the pandemic, demand for PCs and related hardware skyrocketed. This led to a global shortage of components like CPUs, GPUs, and memory chips. Now, as supply finally starts catching up, many investors are eyeing the PC hardware sector as the next big thing.

But is investing in PC hardware really a wise move in today’s fast-changing tech landscape? What are the key factors driving renewed interest in this space? And what risks and rewards should potential investors consider before jumping in? 

I’ll break it down in simple terms and you’ll learn something new for choosing your next investment sector. Stick with me, and we’ll explore the peripherals market together!

What are the Motives Behind the PC Hardware Resurrection

The PC market has seen a remarkable turnaround after years of declining sales. Several factors have converged to lift demand for PCs and related hardware components to new heights. And it has created an attractive investment opportunity. Here are some of the key motives powering the PC hardware resurrection:

The Pandemic Drove Remote Work and Learning

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated remote work and e-learning for millions globally. With so many people suddenly needing computers, there was a massive surge in demand for PCs and components like monitors, webcams, and more. 

Many households bought additional devices to accommodate remote work and online schooling.

Gaming Popularity Grew Exponentially

Gaming exploded in popularity during lockdowns, leading to skyrocketing sales of gaming PCs, graphics cards, processors, and other hardware. PC gaming revenue grew 56% in 2023, pushing hardware demand higher. The gaming boom is expected to continue as titles become more immersive.

Supply Chain Disruptions Created Shortages

While demand rose sharply, pandemic-related factors like factory shutdowns, shipping delays, and chip shortages reduced supply. This supply-demand imbalance led to long wait times and high prices for components like GPUs, fueling more consumer interest.

Innovations in CPUs and GPUs Drove Upgrades

Innovations from Intel, AMD, and Nvidia in CPUs and GPUs enticed enthusiasts to upgrade their rigs more frequently. For example, the release of Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 3000 GPUs in 2020 kickstarted a new upgrade cycle.

Cryptocurrency Mining Drove GPU Sales

The cryptocurrency boom also contributed to a demand for graphics cards used for crypto mining. At the height of this trend, miners would buy up gaming GPU inventory as soon as it hit shelves.

With these strong tailwinds, PC hardware became hot again after losing ground to smartphones and tablets for many years. This confluence of factors continues to make the PC space attractive to potential investors.

Where You Can Invest in PC Hardware?

There are several ways for investors to capitalize on the PC hardware resurgence:

Invest in Hardware Manufacturers

The most direct approach is investing in leading PC hardware manufacturers like Intel, AMD, and Nvidia. These chipmakers design and sell the key components driving industry growth. While pandemic-fueled demand won’t last forever, these companies are positioned well for the long term.

Buy Shares in PC OEMs

Another option is investing in PC original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like Dell, HP, and Lenovo. These firms assemble and sell whole PCs containing hardware from chipmakers. As PC sales increase, OEMs also benefit.

Consider Gaming-Focused Companies

The gaming boom makes hardware and software firms catering to gamers like Razer, Corsair, and Unity compelling investments. These companies produce specialized gaming gear and game engines.

Seek Out Pick-and-Shovel Plays

Pick-and-shovel plays refer to suppliers needed to support an industry’s growth. For PC hardware, that includes makers of memory, power supplies, cooling fans, and cases like Micron, Corsair, and Lian Li. Their sales are tied to overall PC demand.

Invest in Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment

With chip shortages being a major supply constraint, semiconductor manufacturing equipment makers like ASML, Applied Materials, and Lam Research enable production capacity growth. More chips equal more PCs.

Consider Electronics Retailers

Electronics retailers heavily focused on PC hardware like Micro Center and Newegg are benefiting from the sales boom. Investing in these consumer-facing distribution channels provides exposure.

Purchase a PC Hardware ETF

For broad exposure, ETFs like the Invesco Dynamic Semiconductors ETF (PSI) and VanEck Vectors Semiconductor ETF (SMH) provide diversified access to PC hardware manufacturers and suppliers.

In summary, investors have plenty of options to gain exposure to the high-flying PC hardware sector, from producers of key components to supporting players across the supply chain.

Is Investing in PC Hardware Business Worthy?

The PC hardware industry has rebounded impressively from multi-year declines pre-pandemic. The global computer hardware market is expected to grow considerably between 2023 and 2031, driven by the rising adoption of strategies by key players. The computer peripherals market, a subset of the hardware market, is projected to hit USD 1214.1 Billion at a CAGR of 10.5% during the forecast period 2023 to 2033. The IT Hardware Market is also expected to grow from USD 121.32 billion in 2023 to USD 177.11 billion at a CAGR of 7.86% during the forecast period (2023-2028).

On balance, the industry tailwinds and continued growth projections make PC hardware an appealing investment for the next 3-5 year timeframe. Investors must monitor saturation risk and market dynamics closely though. Overall, the upside potential seems to outweigh the downside risks in the near to medium term.

Risk and Consideration of Investing in PC Hardware Business

The PC hardware sector holds significant promise right now, but investors should be aware of these key risks before putting in their money:

Demand Declines Post-Pandemic

Pandemic-driven demand was unprecedented. As normalcy returns, demand may drop back closer to pre-2020 levels. Investors banking on sustained growth could be disappointed.

Component Shortages and Supply Issues

While improving now, shortages of items like semiconductors, substrates, and capacitors could recur and constrain supply. This causes volatility and uncertainty.

Intense Competition

There is intense competition between hardware manufacturers. Lower margins from price wars could hurt profitability. Competition extends across the entire supply chain too.

Rapid Technological Shifts

The breakneck pace of advancement means components get obsolete quickly. Investors need to be selective about which innovations have staying power.

Emergence of New Platforms

If new platforms like AR/VR headsets or wearables gain traction, they could disrupt the traditional PC market. Investors need to hedge across both.

Geopolitical Factors

Trade disputes and tariffs could make sourcing components more expensive. And regional conflicts like the China-Taiwan situation bring uncertainty.

To mitigate risks, investors should diversify across stocks focused on various PC hardware sub-sectors. Monitoring industry trends and technical developments is equally crucial to stay ahead of potential disruptions. Overall, the bull case still looks strong, but risks must be handled smartly.

Other Investing Options According to Current Market Trends

While PC hardware stocks hold an appeal today, prudent investors should evaluate other promising sectors as well. Here are some additional places to potentially allocate capital right now:

Healthcare

The global healthcare market is expected to reach $322.93 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 7.2% from 2021 to 2028. This growth is driven by factors such as an aging population, rising healthcare costs, and increasing demand for innovative treatments and technologies. Companies in this sector that are developing new drugs, medical devices, and diagnostic tools could be promising investment opportunities. 

Gold

Gold remains a haven asset and inflation hedge. In uncertain times, demand rises along with prices, benefiting mining companies, gold-focused ETFs, and physical gold bullion. You can get exposure to gold through reliable investor platforms such as American Hartford Gold. This reliable platform provides a cost-effective and convenient way to purchase physical gold bullion online. When you are seeking help from an investor, make sure they are legit and have enough certification and authorization from the experts!

Infrastructure and Real Estate

Infrastructure is the foundation of a modern economy, and it includes things like roads, bridges, airports, and utilities. Governments around the world are investing heavily in infrastructure to boost economic growth, creating opportunities for companies in this sector. 

Real estate is a classic investment that can provide steady income and long-term capital appreciation. While the market can be cyclical, there are always pockets of growth, such as in certain geographic areas or property types.