- Sustained gains in South Korea for Alder Lake and Raptor Lake, with strong increases in the mid and entry ranges.
- Models such as the Core i3-14100F (+15%) and the i9-13900K (+29%) lead the increases.
- Japan shows a similar pattern, with the i5-14400F becoming more expensive by up to 20%.
- The US remains stable for now; possible causes: costs, inventory, and pricing strategy.
El The cost of many Intel processors is on the rise in Asia., with particular emphasis on South Korea. In that market, families Alder Lake and Raptor Lake, including Refresh versions, accumulate increases that are consolidated week by week.
The trend It hits the most affordable models the hardest., which complicates the purchase of affordable equipment and tightens store margins. This is not a one-time peak, but a an increase in price that is noticeable in several steps of the range.
South Korea: Significant increases in Alder Lake and Raptor Lake
The most recent data point to widespread increases in 12th, 13th and 14th generationsA clear example is the Core i3-14100F, which in less than a month has gone from around 121.990 won to nearly 140.000 won, a jump of approximately 15%.
- Core i3-14100F: price increase of around 15% (from 121.990 to 140.000 won).
- Core i5-12400F: increase of almost 11% in the same period.
- Core i5-13400F: increase of approximately 14%.
- Core i9-13900K: significant climb, up to nearly 29%overcoming 1,25 million won.
Not everything is moving upwards with the same intensity: some models remain practically as they were. The i7-13700K and the i3-13100F have shown relative stability in their labels, at least for now.
Japan follows the same path of price increases
The Japanese market reflects a similar pattern in Intel's most recent series. In recent weeks Significant increases have been seen in 13th and 14th generation chips; in the middle segment, the Core i5-14400F has reached up to 20%, making it clear that the upswing is not limited to any one country.
What could be behind the increases
In the absence of an official explanation from Intel, analysts point to several likely factors: rising manufacturing and logistics costs, tensions in the component supply chain, negotiations with TSMC that would affect production and stock adjustments after demand peaks.
A strategic component is also not ruled out: in certain segments of the range, adjusting the RRP can help balance stocks or reposition products against the competition. The combination of inflation, availability and trade policy fits with the observed behavior.
Impact on shoppers and retailers
For the user looking to upgrade a PC on a budget, these changes are most noticeable on the box. The mid and entry range is the most affected, so it's a good idea to compare prices between stores and be aware of weekly variations.
In the retail channel, margins are narrowing and turnover is becoming more difficult for certain SKUs. Price increases discourage impulse purchases and are pushing for better provisioning planning, with special care for models that are growing faster.
US and other markets: fragile stability
In North America, prices remain relatively stable for the time being, with no spikes of the magnitude seen in Asia. Still, if the Asian dynamic continues, it would not be surprising if it were to leak to other regions in the coming months.
The global CPU market tends to shift tensions from one territory to another with some delay. Maximum vigilance in the next cyclesThe trajectory of South Korea and Japan will be a reference for anticipating possible adjustments outside of Asia.
The current map makes for a clear reading: Asia marks a change of pace in Intel pricing, with South Korea and Japan pulling up on several key series and models, while Other regions are holding up relatively calmly for now.Without official confirmation of the causes, we'll have to monitor the situation in the coming weeks to see if the tide calms or if it reaches more markets.
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