Clearly, we need to be prepared for further price rises in the processor market from the second half of 2026. Indeed, because of agentic AI, the situation is also tense in the CPU sector, with demand on the rise. As a result, production lines are under strain, foundries are raising their prices, and so are companies like Intel and AMD.
AMD and Intel: a further 10% increase from the second half of 2026!
Another AI story!
This time, it’s another type of artificial intelligence that’s at the heart of processor demand. In the case of agentic AI, applications are more CPU-intensive, since they are based on vector and database access. Nevertheless, while the CPU is exploited, RAM continues to play a central role in this type of application, so don’t expect any signs of slackening in this sector.
This inevitably leads to a sharp rise in microprocessor demand, which in turn saturates the order books of foundries such as TSMC, which are forced to increase their prices. Mechanically, brands such as AMD and Intel are also increasing their sales prices.
An increase from the second half of 2026:
Already last March, this sector had seen a price rise of 5 to 10% for consumer models, while it was felt more acutely in the server sector. In this case, we’re talking about 10 to 20%.
But we’ll have to add further price increases of 8 to 10% from the second half of the year onwards. AMD seems to be attracting more attention this year, with two price increases planned, one in the second quarter and the second in the third. All in all, we’re talking about 16% to 17% cumulative increases for the reds.
Intel Foundry is waiting with bated breath!
If this situation is unfavorable for consumers, it’s Intel Foundry that’s rubbing its hands. This Intel entity, responsible for semiconductor production, could well take advantage of TSMC’s saturated order book to snatch up a few juicy contracts, which would enable the blues to put some butter back into their spinach.
