Intel is pressuring PC makers to adopt its upcoming 18A CPUs by restricting supply of older Intel 7 processors. According to a PC sourcing executive quoted by Nikkei Asia, the company recently ordered 100 additional Intel 7-based CPUs but received only 30, of which 10 were 18A products. Intel reportedly warned that if the OEM does not accept the 18A chips, they will be given to other manufacturers.
Intel shifts Intel 7 capacity to servers
The 18A family includes Panther Lake and Wildcat Lake processors. Intel has shifted limited Intel 7 production capacity to higher-margin server and industrial customers, making it harder for PC makers to obtain older chips. OEMs must redesign their product lines for 18A, a process that takes at least three months.
Some PC makers previously designed 18A models mainly as a favor to Intel, according to an industry source cited by Nikkei Asia. The source noted that chip prices are high and demand for premium products is relatively low. Intel has not confirmed that it is actively pushing customers to adopt 18A, according to its statement to Nikkei Asia.
Counterpoint Research also commented on the situation. Intel stated that its Core series 3 processor remains "critical" to its customer strategy, but the company did not address whether it is pressuring OEMs to switch to 18A. The timeline for broader 18A adoption remains unclear.
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