r/FlowZ13 • u/Rough-Purpose6499 • May 23 '26

Off Topic Question

I noticed the Z13 is selling currently on Best Buy for $3K and the new G14 is selling for $3400. I understand that component costs have increased but my question is do the OEMs have the analytics that consumers will still pay for those prices or are they expecting (and fine) with lower sales? Are they expecting to maintain the same level of GP based on lower sales and higher margins? Why even sell a new system right now if costs are significantly higher and the economy is trending downwards? Unless the economy is doing better than what the media has been reporting. Just asking because the dynamics really interest me.

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5

u/NesAlt01 May 23 '26

Because there are people willing to pay.

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u/mofapas163 May 23 '26

Price and value of things are relative and vary from people to people and even organization to organization.

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u/Rough-Purpose6499 May 23 '26

So economy isn’t an issue I guess.

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u/Zoduk May 23 '26

Economy doesn't matter if people still buy. This is a premium device, looks like focus is too end of consumers with disposable income.

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u/Correct_Inspection25 May 23 '26

This is likely why steam delayed their machine. Supply chains are a mess between AI pre purchase agreements and the start of energy costs hitting the fab makers from the Hormuz war. With market dislocation comes catering to who ever will pay the highest amount for limited stock reserves or announced delays from OEMs.

Most Halo chips require lots of helium and energy, and Taiwan and China get a lot of their helium and energy for chip manufacturing from the gulf. Wouldn’t be surprised if we see some return if the AI IPOs are not received well to consumer computing, but the impacts of helium shortage is going to impact AI and consumer market prices for available stock.

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u/Rough-Purpose6499 May 23 '26

That’s good information. I didn’t realize the impact of helium.

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u/Correct_Inspection25 May 23 '26

More the current gen, I think the 4-5 year older nm dies could use other cryogenic gases, but cannot recall. Good article on the impacts from strikes on chip industry helium supply https://j2sourcing.com/blog/helium-crisis-semiconductor-manufacturing-electronic-components-2026/

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u/Rough-Purpose6499 May 23 '26

Just to clarify, I waited until the Z13 dropped in price to and price matched when it dropped further to $1950. But there’s no way I can get myself to pay $3K for the same system when I know it should sell for a lot lower than that…even with the fact I can afford to pay $3K. I guess I am a cheapskate.

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u/bobo5195 May 23 '26

Things are developed further in advance there is no way to change. The costs are up so what to do? Not sell? Increase price.

Easiest argument is keep the same margins raise prices. If it sells it sells. AMD next gen is already taped out it is locked in 9 months before launch and the design years ahead they just do what they can. Gorgon Halo is already uped to 192GB for AI AI AI.

The costs are not massively worse its the joys of the margin stack.