Since 2025, graphics cards and RAM have been consumed mainly by artificial intelligence companies, who are investing in AI data centers and the generative AI industry. Computer chip manufacturer Intel has observed its key competitors, Nvidia and AMD, and the conflicting price shifts in PC components that are necessary for electronic functionality.
RAM and graphics cards are valued for their powerful memory speed. Following behind are SSDs and HDDs, providing the data and storage necessary to operate AI firms’ large language models. After Intel witnessed its business gain traction since Apr. 24, the company’s CFO is informing consumers that CPUs are next in line for a shortage.
What Led Intel To The Next PC Component Shortage?
CPUs act as the brain of a data center. It gathers information from user input and attempts to produce the desired results. While AMD provides multithreading powerhouses to enhance efficiency and performance, more AI businesses order Intel CPUs because they hold similar capabilities for 3/4 of the price.
Reuters reported on Apr. 24 that the longtime manufacturer’s stock soared 24% and broke its 2000 value record, reaching $416 billion. Chief Financial Officer David Zinsner saw it as a sign of a component shortage because of one factor: restricted supply.
He informed the public that the Q1’26 sales forecast for materials was depleting for the latest product line, Panther Lake, resulting in higher costs. Intel was forced to search its inventory for any unsold CPUs and sell its chips to keep up with demand.
“It was a de-spec product or legacy product we had shelved, and then we worked with customers. That helped a lot,” said Zisner. He is concerned that AI data centers and firms will drive their supply to its lowest as the manufacturer enters Q2’26.
Customers Are Prepared to Accept Older CPUs for Budget, but for How Long?
PC part providers, like Micron, chose to cater to the AI industry because they were convinced they were contributing to the AI arms race. They over-relied on investors to purchase newer products, such as the RTX 5090, to progress their mission for future generations.
Due to their greed, hyperscalers and their partnership with OpenAI founder Sam Altman have resulted in a loss of consumer trust and sales. Even Nvidia resorted to recouping its losses by selling newer versions of a fan-favorite graphics card, the RTX 3000 series.
Despite selling previous computer chips, Intel customers are happy that the PC producer is being resourceful and putting them first. Tech industry analyst Ben Bajarin contacted Intel’s industrial relations branch, then posted a confirmation on X (then Twitter):
Then on Apr. 27, Zisner is aware that these companies will take advantage of their business decision. He explained to The Video Game Chronicle, “As you think about the growth rate now going forward, CPU demand is going to be a significant part of the AI market.”
This is because CPUs serve another purpose in AI servers. Each one carries between four and eight graphics cards, containing an LLM system. A single CPU can operate it automatically as an agentic AI.
Tom’s Hardware added that one of the oldest CPU products that PC manufacturers and AI firms are hunting for is Intel Xeon. This 1998 processor is the longest-running computer chip for handling servers and workstations. These companies want to include the technology for consumers interested in training AI workloads. Xeon currently carries 968 products with the latest variant, the 6503P.
PC Builders Have Some Hope As AI Bubble Continues to Deflate
Throughout 2025 and 2026, PC building and repair shops experienced the most difficulties, as these computer parts are mostly behind restricted access. Throughout the Memory Crisis, professionals and self-taught builders have been searching for what is available on the used market. AI firms have shifted nearly every industry that relies on a computer system.
This includes schools and universities that provide laptops to students who can’t afford the tech. They have become a requirement as the US wants to go paperless and digitize homework. In Florida, the Osceola County school district voiced its concerns as the education budget can’t be stretched to maintain them.
Quantum computer engineer Jorge Diaz explained to WKMG News 6, “All of these components (CPU, RAM, and GPUs) are necessary to keep your computer and phone running.” Intel has spread some hope as they continue to focus on what its customers need rather than on making a profit.
