Intel CPU Prices Rise Globally, Up to 20%

Recently, reports have revealed that Intel is planning to adjust the prices of its 13th-generation Raptor Lake and 14th-generation Raptor Lake Refresh processors, with increases of up to 10% in the U.S. market. However, the international market is seeing even steeper hikes, with some regions experiencing price jumps of up to 20%. Interestingly, the price revision isn't limited to the Raptor Lake lineup — the 12th-generation Alder Lake processors are also affected.

According to data from Danawa, a well-known South Korean price tracking and comparison platform, prices for Intel CPUs have risen noticeably between late September and mid-October. The Core i3-14100F saw a 15% increase, while the Core i5-14600KF and Core i5-12400F rose by 13% and 11%, respectively. The Core i5-14400F also climbed 6% during the same period.

A similar pattern has emerged in Japan. Reports indicate that the Core i3-14100 and Core i3-14100F prices went up by 10% and 2.6%, respectively. Popular Core i5 models, including the i5-14400 and i5-14400F, increased by 20% and 11%. High-end models such as the Core i7 and Core i9 series experienced milder adjustments of around 5%.

Here's a closer look at the recent changes across markets:

· Core i7-14700K: Japan +5% (no data for Korea)

· Core i7-14700KF: Japan +5% (no data for Korea)

· Core i5-14600KF: Korea +13% (no data for Japan)

· Core i5-14400: Japan +20% (no data for Korea)

· Core i5-14400F: Korea +6%, Japan +11%

· Core i5-12400F: Korea +11% (no data for Japan)

· Core i3-14100: Japan +10% (no data for Korea)

· Core i3-14100F: Korea +15%, Japan +2.6%

Although Intel's latest Core Ultra 200S (Arrow Lake) processors have been available for a while, consumer response has been lukewarm due to underwhelming performance and higher pricing. Intel's marketing has heavily emphasized AI features, but not all users find these capabilities compelling enough to justify an upgrade.

The price increases for Alder Lake and Raptor Lake chips could help boost Intel's profit margins, as these CPUs are built on the mature Intel 7 process node, which is likely operating at full capacity. In contrast, Arrow Lake relies on TSMC's external process, leaving less room for pricing flexibility. This may explain why Intel chose to raise prices on its in-house produced chips instead of cutting Arrow Lake prices. Despite some recent price adjustments for Arrow Lake, sales remain modest.

It's worth noting that Intel hasn't applied a blanket increase across the entire Alder Lake or Raptor Lake lineup. Instead, the company has targeted key mainstream models — particularly the Core i5-14400 and Core i3-14100F — which represent the highest sales volume globally. This strategy helps explain why mid-range CPUs have seen the steepest international price hikes.