Business · Companies · 4 hrs ago
Intel says demand for its affordable laptop chips exceeds supply
Intel says all its Wildcat Lake chips are sold out because demand is greater than supply.
The chips are designed for lower-cost Windows laptops, including recent models from Dell and HP.
RAM and other component shortages have pushed up PC prices, making budget-friendly laptops more appealing.
But some of these laptops have only 8GB of RAM, which can be limiting for Windows users.
Intel does not expect the memory shortage to improve in 2027, though its finance chief said conditions might improve in 2028.
The shortage is affecting laptop costs and supply, while Intel's CEO says the PC industry could still see a renaissance despite these pressures.
Intel says demand for its budget-focused Wildcat Lake laptop chips exceeds supply, and its CFO says the chips are sold out.
CEO Lip-Bu Tan made the demand comment during Intel’s latest earnings call.
CFO David Zinsner said the chips are cost-optimized and are seeing significant growth.
Wildcat Lake chips are appearing in new lower-cost Windows laptops, including models from Dell and HP.
Intel does not expect the memory shortage to improve in 2027.
- Who
- Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan and CFO David Zinsner.
- What
- Intel said demand for its Wildcat Lake chips is outstripping supply. The CFO said the chips are sold out.
- When
- During Intel’s latest earnings call; the article was published on October 29, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- The chips are cost-optimized, and Intel said there is strong focus on that. The article also describes rising PC prices amid shortages of RAM and other components.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Shortages of RAM and other components have driven up PC prices.
Tan said demand for Wildcat Lake chips was outstripping supply, and Zinsner said they were sold out.
- Chip family
- Wildcat Lake
- Supply status
- Sold out, according to CFO David Zinsner
- Memory outlook
- Intel expects the shortage not to improve in 2027
- Example laptop makers
- Dell and HP
What people are saying
is outstripping supply
The industry continues to navigate one of the most significant supply shortages in the [sic] history, driven by the unprecedented demand for super intelligence
we are not optimistic about next year in terms of memory
we’ll, you know, have to see in ‘28 whether things improve, but our expectation is that it does not improve in ‘27