Intel to Increase CPU Prices Amid Global RAM Shortage

Intel has announced a 10% increase in CPU prices, attributing the decision to a global shortage of RAM. This scarcity is largely driven by the escalating demand from artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, which are consuming significant amounts of high-bandwidth memory (HBM), thereby limiting availability for consumer devices.

The shortage has led to substantial price hikes in DRAM and NAND flash memory, with some reports indicating increases of up to 130% by late 2026. As a result, major PC manufacturers, including Lenovo, Dell, HP, Acer, and ASUS, have warned of potential price increases ranging from 15% to 20% for their products in 2026.

Industry analysts predict that the entry-level PC market, particularly models priced under $500, could disappear entirely by 2028 due to these escalating costs. Additionally, the International Data Corporation (IDC) forecasts a decline in PC shipments by up to 9% in 2026, as consumers may delay purchases in response to rising prices.

In response to the crisis, some PC manufacturers are exploring alternatives, such as sourcing memory from smaller suppliers or focusing on premium products with higher profit margins. However, relief from the RAM shortage is not expected until at least 2028, suggesting that consumers and manufacturers alike will need to navigate these challenges for the foreseeable future.