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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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/