{"title": "Rising Component Costs Ground Custom PC Assembly in 2026: Exploring Alternatives", "body": ["Typically avoiding New Year's commitments, the author plans to set some for 2026, prompted by soaring prices for computer memory and a pre-holiday incident. A major retailer, Micro Center, temporarily listed several solid-state drives at their recommended retail values, sparking concern among custom PC enthusiasts over the prospect of 2TB NVMe storage exceeding $600."], ["During the brief window before prices returned to normal, the author considered various scenarios for hobbies if assembling new PCs became unaffordable, focusing on enjoyable alternatives."], ["For this hardware aficionado, passion extends beyond the activity itself to a broader fascination with technology's capabilities when operating at peak performance. Restricting attention to fresh components would exclude vast opportunities for exploration."], ["Reflecting on engaging pursuits for a probable year of limited PC construction in 2026, the author identified two primary directions."], ["Considerations centered on captivating topics and approaches. Custom mechanical keyboards and sophisticated do-it-yourself network-attached storage systems might prove too costly as new endeavors, yet they remain viable for in-depth study without physical involvement. Barriers to immersing in detailed knowledge are absent."], ["For a quicker initiative, the author intends to organize Jellyfin and Plex alongside a personal media library, converting all content for seamless local playback—a long-postponed task spanning several years."], ["However, modifying current equipment appeals more than software for media management. Abundant hardware already exists, and in a collector's mindset, parting with it feels unwise, particularly amid uncertainty over replacement costs and expectations of another Linux-focused year in 2026."], ["Outlined resolutions follow a sequence of priorities, though specifics remain forthcoming in this reflective piece."], ["Embracing 2026's motif of makeshift home solutions, the author aims to embrace the shift positively. This concept arose in the closing discussion of the year's last episode on The Full Nerd Network, amid forecasts for the upcoming period. Time usually devoted to emerging tech can instead enhance expertise in current tools, an outlook that retains appeal."], ["The program is pausing for the holidays and will resume in January, broadcasting directly from CES 2026."], ["Missed prior content? Subscribe to The Full Nerd Network YouTube channel and enable alerts. Viewer inquiries receive live responses."], ["The platform now features additional series—explore Dual Boot Diaries and The Full Nerd: Extra Edition installments over the festive period."], ["Seeking further discussions on components throughout the week? Join the Discord server, populated by relaxed tech enthusiasts engaged in recent lively exchanges."], ["This holiday update offers a few curated links blending reminiscence, perplexity, and optimism—mirroring the author's annual start, with a touch of humor."], ["Anticipate a flood of updates from CES 2026 next week, so savor the lighter reading now."], ["Best wishes for a joyful new year; excitement builds for 2026's developments shared with the community. See you soon."], ["This publication honors Gordon Mah Ung, originator and presenter of The Full Nerd, and hardware executive editor at PCWorld."], ["With 14 years in tech and gaming media, Alaina Yee contributes diverse coverage to PCWorld. Joining in 2016, she has addressed processors, operating systems, assembly guides, browsers, single-board computers, and beyond, while scouting deals. Her current emphasis lies in cybersecurity, guiding online protection strategies. Previous contributions include PC Gamer, IGN, Maximum PC, and Official Xbox Magazine."]}