Report claims the global CPU shortage is ‘more acute for processors than memory’ as industry waits for Intel’s 18A chips to plug the gap
The global semiconductor industry is experiencing a pronounced CPU shortage, with processor availability more severely constrained than memory supplies, according to a recent Digitimes industry report. While memory remains limited with substantially elevated prices due to ongoing supply pressures—sometimes referred to as the “RAMpocalypse”—the shortage of processor units is significantly more critical for the industry.
The acute shortage is primarily driven by surging demand from the artificial intelligence sector, which has created unprecedented competition for limited chip manufacturing capacity. Multiple processor models from major manufacturers are affected by the constrained supply. Industry sources anticipate that Intel’s upcoming 18A process node chips will help address the significant supply gap in the coming months.
The CPU shortage represents a critical bottleneck for the computing industry, particularly affecting manufacturers and consumers seeking to upgrade computing infrastructure for AI and general-purpose workloads. As AI applications continue to proliferate across data centers and consumer devices, processor demand remains exceptionally high, straining existing supply chains and manufacturing capabilities worldwide. The situation underscores how rapid growth in AI adoption is reshaping semiconductor supply dynamics.