Why CPU Upgrades Are Harder Than Ever
The author notes that while monitors and complete gaming PCs are frequently recommended, CPU deals are rare because upgrading a system requires buying expensive components all at once.
Market research firm Mercury Research says AMD and Intel’s desktop CPU shipments in the second quarter were “ugly,” even though the overall CPU market is growing.
Server and mobile (laptop) CPUs, which cover both x86 and ARM architectures, are performing strongly, cushioning the overall market. However, the x86 client CPUs that power gaming rigs are seeing a steep drop—more than 20% year‑over‑year.
Both AMD and Intel suffered significant YoY declines, but Intel’s fall was sharper, allowing AMD to gain market share both sequentially and year‑over‑year despite lower overall shipments.
Much of the shipment data likely reflects pre‑built OEM PCs and system manufacturers rather than standalone CPU sales, indicating that fewer consumers are buying separate CPUs and that manufacturers are ordering fewer bulk units.
Even if prices stay stable, the global memory shortage has driven up memory and storage costs, making full system upgrades less attractive and further suppressing CPU shipments.
Laptop CPUs are faring better, but the broader laptop market is not immune; Counterpoint Research predicts a 14.3% decline in the global smartphone market this year due to cost pressures.
The shortage of memory and components, spurred by the rise of AI‑driven servers, will continue to impact a wide range of products for years to come, at least through 2030 and beyond.