The shortage of computer processors is worsening: prices are rising and supply delays span several months.

Summary of the situation:

Period What is happening Who reports Second half of 2023 Prices for memory began to rise, but the gap in processor availability only widened from the end of February. Major PC manufacturers Early 2024 CPU prices increased by +10–15 % (sometimes higher). Intel and AMD announced price hikes for all machine families from March to April. Intel, AMD Current moment Processor delivery times increased: from 1–2 weeks → 8–12 weeks; sometimes up to 6 months. Server system manufacturers April‑June 2024 Further deterioration in availability is expected as CPU makers focus on the server segment. PC manufacturers will receive fewer processors in Q2. Nikkei Asian Review

Why the PC market suffers
1. Shift in priorities – Intel and AMD have focused deliveries on more expensive servers, leaving “surplus” stock for PCs.

2. Limited supplies – even with attempts to solve the problem financially, processors simply run out for everyone who wants them.

3. Rising demand for ARM processors – companies such as Nvidia, MediaTek and Qualcomm, as well as Apple, are actively developing their own server and desktop solutions based on Arm architecture.

Manufacturer reactions
Manufacturer Actions ASUS Indicates that the x86‑CPU shortage is evident in the mid‑price segment; switches to ARM solutions. In Copilot PC 30 % of systems already use ARM (previously <20 %). Apple Continues to strengthen its line of proprietary processors for PCs and servers. Arm Recently introduced its own AGI processors for server use – the first time the company enters the market with ready‑made CPUs.

Expert assessment
- Counterpoint Research: demand for general-purpose servers and storage systems exceeds forecasts; the shortage will intensify from the end of last year.
- Demand in the general system segment: growth +15 % this year, but Intel can satisfy only a small portion – “units of percent” increase.

Conclusions
- CPU prices have risen several times over the year, and delivery times extend to months.
- PC manufacturers are forced to look for alternatives (ARM) while CPU makers continue to favor more profitable server segments.
- The processor shortage is becoming increasingly noticeable and requires the industry to take rapid adaptation measures.