Intel CPU Prices Rising 10% on October 5, 2026
Intel is reportedly set to raise PC CPU prices by around 10% on October 5, its third consecutive increase since late 2025. Buy before the deadline to avoid it.
Intel is reportedly raising PC CPU prices by around 10% on October 5, according to supply chain sources cited by DigiTimes. The report has been corroborated by VideoCardz, TechSpot, and PC Gamer. Intel has not officially confirmed the timing or the size of the change.
Third increase in under a year
This would be Intel's third consecutive PC CPU price adjustment since late 2025. The first came in Q1 2026; a second followed in July, covering selected consumer and server processors including the Core Ultra 7 270K Plus and Core Ultra 5 250K Plus. Three 10% increases in under a year puts the cumulative rise from the late-2025 baseline at roughly 33%. Intel's next major desktop platform is not expected until March 2027.
What this means if you are buying now
Intel has not confirmed which desktop families are included in October, but prior increases have rolled across the full PC CPU portfolio. The Core i5-14600K, Core i7-14700K, and Core Ultra 9 285K in our catalog are all priced at current rates. Whether retail prices follow Intel's adjustment on the same date or lag by a few weeks varies by retailer, but buying before October 5 is the lower-risk window.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are Intel CPU prices going up?
Supply chain sources cited by DigiTimes and corroborated by VideoCardz and TechSpot point to October 5, 2026 as the target date for Intel's next PC CPU price adjustment of around 10%. Intel has not issued an official statement confirming the date or the figure.
Which Intel CPUs are affected by the October 2026 price increase?
The DigiTimes report does not name specific product families. Intel's July 2026 increase covered the Core Ultra 7 270K Plus and Core Ultra 5 250K Plus. If the pattern of prior increases holds, the October adjustment is most likely to affect the broader desktop lineup, including Core i5, i7, i9, and Core Ultra families.