Intel Reportedly Eyeing Another CPU Price Hike in May Amid Growing AI Demand

Last week a report hinted that AMD could increase Ryzen CPUs by up to 15% this year. Now, in what could be the third jump this year, Intel is reportedly planning another round of CPU price hikes. The news comes via Chinese research firm Minutes Logic Society, which claims prices may rise by around 30% compared with 2025 levels.

Just to be clear, an earlier report by ET News hinted that a 10% hike for the consumer CPUs, like the Core Ultra family of CPUs. As with the previous rumor, the report also links the possible price hike to soaring demand from AI data centers, which rely heavily on CPUs.

It’s unclear when the trend might stabilize. Much depends on how long the so-called “AI bubble” continues to inflate. Component shortages have already forced companies like Lenovo to hike handheld device prices by nearly 50%, showing how pervasive the effect has become. That’s not all; the ongoing CPU price hike could increase laptop prices by nearly 40%.

Earlier this year NVIDIA announced to adjust its strategies, with some pausing new releases to focus on AI-related workloads. Intel’s move suggests that CPU buyers, from gamers to PC builders, could face continued price shock for months to come.

While these increases are frustrating for consumers, they reflect a larger industry shift toward AI-driven demand that shows little sign of slowing.