If you are building a gaming PC and want to get a decent processor, you will need to be ready to pay a premium for them. This is especially true with high-end hardware as they are more difficult to source, which drives their prices up even more.
Why are CPUs so expensive? In shor, it’s a matter of supply and demand. There is a global shortage of chips, including processors, which affects just about everything. There is also an increased demand for them since working from home is becoming the norm. You may want to consider getting the pre-built options from iBUYPOWER, CYBERPOWERPC, or Skytech Gaming Store.
Why Are Processors So Expensive
Building your PC will usually save you money. However, at this moment, this is not the case. A combination of circumstances means that you will pay a premium if you want to get a decent CPU.
Whether you are looking for a midrange or high-end chip, there is simply not enough supply going around that you will be able to get them at a reasonable price.
High Demand for CPUs
One of the reasons why CPUs are expensive is due to demand.
Most are building work and gaming rigs, which shot up the prices of all types of processors.
Whether you are looking at daily computing processors like the Intel Core i3-10105 or beefy one like the Ryzen 9 5900X, their prices are likely inflated due to demand.
It’s not just consumers who want these CPUs. Computer manufacturers are also in the mix as they request more silicon for their products.
It’s not just desktop PCs, but laptops are also seeing increased demand.
Better Hardware
We’re also enjoying better hardware with processors carrying better performance overall. This means that a 12th generation Intel CPU is more powerful than its predecessor, and you would surely expect a price bump between those two.
Here’s an example of Intel’s Core i5 chips that are one generation apart. The first one is an 11th gen Core i5-11600K, a powerful chip in its own right with 6 cores and 12 threads that can boost up to 4.9 GHz. The second one is a 12th gen Core i5-12600K, a 10-core, 16-thread beast that clocks up to 4.9 GHz.
These are powerful CPUs, but you get a lot more cores and efficiency with the 12th generation. It is also more expensive than its 11th gen counterpart.
This is not isolated to Intel since AMD chips are the same. We can compare chips like the Ryzen 7 5800X and its previous iteration, the Ryzen 7 3800X. You can blame the high demand, but more powerful and better-built CPUs are also a factor in the rising prices of processors.
Hardware Hoarders
A consequence of having high demand and low supply is that there is a tendency where retailers can hold on to their stock and sell it at a much higher price.
The secondary market for PC parts like CPUs is also a factor in fueling this price surge of hardware.
This practice is not strictly illegal, but of course, it’s on the dirty side, and it can get frustrating for regular consumers who simply want to get a processor for a PC upgrade.
What to Do with Expensive CPUs
If you have a perfectly working computer, it’s better to stick to it in the short term. With demand starting to normalize and supply from manufacturers catching up, these two should equalize in the next few months.
If you are looking to upgrade your PC or get a new one, it’s probably better to wait it out until the prices are not as inflated.
Why Are CPU Prices So High FAQ
Why Are Intel Processors So Expensive?
Because of a lack of supply and high demand, Intel processors are more expensive than their retail prices. Historically, Intel is also a bit more expensive than AMD processors. The reason for this is that Intel does have a slim margin in gaming performance, and consumers are willing to pay extra for it.
Why Are Ryzen CPUs So Expensive?
Apart from the supply shortage, new Ryzen CPUs are expensive because they come with performance that rivals their Intel counterparts. The breakthrough in manufacturing allows AMD to put more cores into their processors.
Their high end CPUs like the popular Ryzen 9 5950X have 12 cores, 32 threads, and clock speeds that rival Intel chips. This makes them the perfect choice for enthusiasts looking to build workstations and gaming rigs.
Final Words About Why Are CPUs So Expensive Right Now
Everybody looking to get a new PC or upgrade their current one has an incredibly high demand for CPUs. This is currently driving up the prices of AMD Ryzen and Intel processors as well as other brands.
As these market factors equalize, the prices should start to normalize. If you can’t wait for the prices to go down and have no choice but to get a PC, your best bet is to go the pre-built route with options from iBUYPOWER, CYBERPOWERPC, and Skytech Gaming Store.
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