Intel to Implement Another 10% Price Hike for PC CPUs

Intel is preparing for another price hike for its PC processors, with costs expected to rise by approximately 10% starting October 5, 2026. This move follows a series of increases since late 2025, including a 10% rise in the first quarter of 2026 and another adjustment in July 2026.

In July, the company confirmed price increases for specific consumer models. The Core Ultra 7 270K Plus rose from $299 to $349, while the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus increased from $199 to $229. Intel attributes these changes to high demand and rising supply chain costs.

The company is also reviewing low-margin 'Small Core' products used in industrial PCs, embedded systems, and IoT. Some of these may be transitioned to end-of-life status to increase overall profitability under CEO Lip-Bu Tan. Qualcomm and MediaTek could potentially fill the gap in these markets.

To prioritize high-margin server processors at its own facilities, Intel is facing pressure on consumer chip production capacity. Digitimes reports that Intel may need to outsource more server processor production to TSMC to accelerate deliveries.