Source: https://uk.pcmag.com/processors/164008/intel-amd-reportedly-set-to-raise-cpu-prices-by-up-to-15
“Shortages are coming for the CPU industry, and we can expect both Intel and AMD to raise their prices in turn, according to Nikkei Asia.
Intel reportedly told its CPU clients last week that a price rise is imminent, and AMD is likely to follow suit, thanks to increased focus on server CPU production and a dwindling supply of new consumer chips on store shelves. Nikkei tips an average price hike of 10% to 15%, potentially higher, citing multiple sources with direct knowledge of the matter.
In 2026, any electronic component you plug into your PC—memory, storage, GPUs—is in short supply, and anything you do get your hands on is far over MSRP. Unfortunately, CPUs appear to be equally affected now, despite AMD and Intel lowering some CPU prices to better compete with one another’s new offerings.
Intel’s Arrow Lake refresh CPUs, like the 270K Plus and 250K Plus, have demonstrated impressive gaming performance, and their pricing is quite aggressive. At just under $300, the 270K Plus is Intel’s best gaming CPU ever and only a stone’s throw behind AMD’s $400+ 9800X3D.
While AMD is preparing its own refreshed Zen 5 CPUs as a counter, we’ve seen price reductions on its 12-core 9900X3D and 7900X CPUs, and the 9600X dropped to around $180 just before the new Arrow Lake CPUs were released, as VideoCardz notes.
Still, Nikkei reports that AMD and Intel have told their clients that CPU price increases will hit before the end of March and run into April. Plus orders that were previously fulfilled within a week or two have recently stretched to eight to 12 weeks due to shortages.
Although the price spikes of 2025 haven’t quite been replicated in 2026, and there have been some signs of stabilization, the overall shortages remain unsolved. Until supply catches up with the unprecedented demand from last year, we’re unlikely to see prices for any of the most important consumer PC components return to normal.”