Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan Says Wildcat Lake Budget Laptop Chips Sold Out, Demand Outstrips Supply

Intel is struggling to keep up with demand for its new Wildcat Lake processors, the budget-focused laptop chips that CEO Lip-Bu Tan says are now sold out. During the company's latest earnings call, Tan told investors that demand for Wildcat Lake 'is outstripping supply,' while CFO David Zinsner confirmed the chips are fully allocated. Zinsner noted that Intel has 'seen significant growth in Wildcat Lake,' and credited its cost-optimized design for arriving 'exactly at the right time' as PC makers face pricing pressure and consumers seek more affordable devices. The shortage highlights a shift in the market toward value-oriented laptops, especially in education and emerging markets, and could give Intel a competitive edge against AMD and Arm-based rivals. However, the supply constraints also mean Intel may be leaving revenue on the table until manufacturing capacity catches up. For buyers, the sold-out status could lead to temporary scarcity of budget laptops, but Intel's aggressive ramp-up suggests the company sees this segment as critical for future growth.