Laptops get pricier: Intel and Qualcomm raise processor prices – AMD may follow
Intel is charging up to 20 percent more for some chips and Qualcomm about 10 percent, Taiwanese supply-chain reports say, citing higher manufacturing costs at TSMC and AI demand.
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After memory, processors for laptops and servers are now getting more expensive too. Market research firm TrendForce, citing Taiwan's Commercial Times, reported that Intel has raised its prices three times since late 2025, most recently from September 1. High-end models of its new Panther Lake laptop generation now cost 15 to 20 percent more, and the older Meteor Lake and Arrow Lake lines 5 to 10 percent more. The increases mainly affect Panther Lake chips with powerful graphics tiles, which TSMC makes on its 3-nanometer N3E process.
According to the reports, Qualcomm has raised prices for its Snapdragon X and X2 Elite laptop chips by about 10 percent since the start of October; the company has not confirmed the increase. AMD is also reportedly preparing adjustments, but their scope and timing are unconfirmed.
The moves reflect strong demand for AI PCs and servers and rising manufacturing costs. Analysts cited by Taiwan's Central News Agency expect TSMC to raise prices in 2027 by 5 to 10 percent for leading-edge nodes and by 10 to 15 percent for advanced packaging. Laptop makers also face higher memory and SSD costs; TrendForce expects global notebook shipments to fall 9.4 percent in 2026.