Intel and AMD Flag Three-Month Delays for 12th Gen, EPYC CPU Shipments
Intel and AMD warned Chinese customers of CPU shipment delays of up to three months for 12th Gen and EPYC processors due to export licensing bottlenecks. The delays affect major server OEMs including Huawei Cloud and Inspur, potentially pushing Q1 delivery into Q2.
1. Warning on Shipment Delays
Both Intel and AMD alerted major Chinese server and PC manufacturers that orders placed in late Q4 and early Q1 may not ship for up to three months. This notice marks the first public acknowledgment of extended lead times for core processor lines in China’s key data center and consumer markets.
2. Products Facing Delays
The delay encompasses Intel’s 12th Gen Core desktop CPUs, Xeon Scalable server chips, and AMD’s EPYC 7003 and upcoming 7004 series processors. These product families represent over 40% of combined Q1 CPU revenue for both companies in Greater China.
3. Underlying Causes
Export licensing approvals have slowed following tighter U.S. controls on advanced semiconductors bound for China, creating a backlog at customs and certification agencies. Capacity constraints at key foundries and logistical disruptions in Shanghai have compounded the licensing delays.
4. Impact on OEMs and Revenue
Huawei Cloud, Inspur and other top OEM customers may see project timelines slip into mid-Q2, forcing hardware refresh delays and potential shift to alternative suppliers. Analysts now model a 3–5% revenue shortfall for both Intel and AMD in the region during Q1 due to deferred shipments.