Processors risk becoming a new target for AI attacks: a global shortage and price increases are expected

Intel Warns of Temporary CPU Shortage

During a recent meeting reviewing the previous quarter’s results, Intel representatives noted that customers will have to endure a shortage of central processors for some time. While the discussion focused mainly on server models, experts predict price increases in the PC market as well.

Key Facts

What It Says | How It Looks | CPU Shortage | Intel CFO David Zinsner | Transition to Direct Server Processor Supply to Clients. Chips are shipped directly from factories without intermediaries. Reason for Shortage | Information from Quartz | Insufficient efficiency of in‑house manufacturing and supply chain issues (AMD uses TSMC). Impact on the Market | Demand for CPUs has risen due to agency systems and training large language models, which now use more CPUs than GPUs. Additional Demand | PC Trends | Increase in personal computer upgrades after Windows 10 support ends.

Retail Segment Still Fine

Despite price increases in recent months, the CPU shortage has not manifested as clearly as memory shortages. Intel recently introduced more affordable desktop models:

- Core Ultra 7 270K Plus – $299
- Core Ultra 5 250K Plus – $199

If the industry fully shifts to meeting server demand, space for consumer processors may shrink, leading to higher prices and shortages. At present, such phenomena are not observed in the PC market.

Thus, Intel expects a short‑term CPU shortage, especially in servers, but the retail market remains stable for now.