The short answer
Right now is one of the worst times in years to buy new IT hardware: memory prices are up sharply, new machines cost more, and lead times run past 40 weeks. That makes it one of the best times to buy refurbished. Windows 11-certified refurbished business computers are supported, in stock immediately, and cost a fraction of new, which matters even more with Windows 10 support ending October 13, 2026.
Why is now the worst time to buy new technology?
Three things have hit at once: component prices have spiked, finished hardware costs more, and supply is slow. Buying a fleet of brand-new PCs today means paying peak prices and waiting months for delivery. For most businesses, that's the most expensive and slowest way to refresh.
Why are RAM and memory prices so high in 2026?
The AI boom is absorbing the world's memory supply. Conventional DRAM contract prices rose roughly 90% in early 2026, and high-capacity server memory now costs several times what it did a year ago. Because memory is a big part of a machine's cost, those increases flow straight into the price of every new PC and server.
How long does it take to get new business hardware right now?
Longer than most refresh plans allow. Enterprise hardware lead times now stretch past 40 weeks, and analysts don't expect meaningful new supply until late 2027 or 2028. Ordering new isn't just costly, it can leave you waiting the better part of a year.
Why is now the best time to buy refurbished?
Refurbished sidesteps every part of the problem: it's in stock today, it's priced well below new, and the supply is deep as businesses retire recent, high-spec gear. Refurbished business computers typically cost 30% to 60% less than new, and in 2026 refurbished has become a core IT strategy rather than a budget fallback.
Are refurbished business computers reliable?
When they come from a reputable refurbisher, yes. Each unit is wiped, tested, repaired and graded before resale, and accredited refurbishers report hardware support rates under 1%, on par with new. A machine with an upgraded SSD and RAM can even outperform a new budget model costing twice as much.
Do refurbished computers run Windows 11?
Yes. Windows 11-certified refurbished business machines are fully supported and ready for the transition, which matters because Windows 10's Extended Security Updates end on October 13, 2026. After that, Windows 10 machines stop getting security patches, so a supported refresh isn't optional for long.
What should you do with your old Windows 10 computers?
Don't let them pile up or head to landfill, since they still hold sensitive data and recoverable value. Microcad's ITAD and data-destruction services wipe retired devices securely and issue a certificate of destruction, while our buy-back program turns old hardware into credit toward your refresh.
Who is Microcad?
Microcad is a Canadian IT company based in London, Ontario, providing IT procurement, hardware refurbishment, and IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) since 1991. We help businesses buy smart, upgrade affordably, and retire old equipment securely.
Facing a refresh before the Windows 10 deadline? Book a free consultation and we'll help you time it right, spend less, and dispose of old gear securely. 🔄
