Current top processors hardly available or very overpriced
AMD's gaming champion 9800X3D is just as scarce as Intel's 285K. Improvement is not expected until January, but you shouldn't pay fantasy prices.
AMD's 9800X3D is currently Germany's most sought-after CPU – and is sold out.
(Image: c't)
After the Black Friday offers from many companies, two of the most popular current PC processors are hardly available or very expensive at German hardware retailers. There are hardly any reasonable offers for both AMD's Ryzen 7 9800X3D and Intel's Core Ultra 9 285K. All of the following information refers to the boxed versions of the processors, for which the manufacturers also provide a warranty, not the freely traded tray goods intended for PC manufacturers.
The X3D in particular, currently the fastest CPU for games, has been in short supply for some time, but is currently virtually sold out. If a retailer promises to be able to deliver it in a few days, prices start at around 750 euros (starting from 434,44 €), which is over 200 euros more than the processor cost at market launch. AMD's recommended retail price is 529 euros, which is already significantly more than its predecessor, the 7800X3D, when it was launched. This is also currently far too expensive with prices starting at around 550 euros (starting from 349 €). In summer 2024, it was still around 330 euros.
Some retailers have not even listed the 9800X3D in recent days, which means it no longer appears in price comparison services. Some retailers are now offering the processor again, but only for pre-order with rough delivery dates in December or January. An example of such an offer can be found at Mindfactory, which at the time of writing is asking 559 euros and promises an expected delivery at the end of December.
285K only available immediately for more than at market launch
The supply situation for Intel's 285K is only slightly better. Although it is often inferior to cheaper processors in games, it is one of the fastest and most energy-efficient current desktop CPUs for applications, depending on the scenario. It was only released six weeks ago and cost around 640 euros at market launch. It is still listed comparatively frequently, but if you want it immediately, you will have to pay at least 700 euros (starting from 486,90 €). As with the 9800X3D, the usual premium for new hardware has not disappeared after a few weeks, prices have increased here too. Intel's fastest Arrow Lake CPU is only available at a lower price if you can be patient until at least the end of December, when the processor is available for 10 to 20 euros less – as a pre-order.
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As many customers have apparently paid the exorbitant prices for both CPUs in recent weeks, it is unlikely that the supply situation will improve soon and that cheaper offers will be available. This also has an effect on generally cheaper CPUs, as some prospective customers are likely to fall back on the previous generations, as the significantly increased prices for the 7800X3D show. Intel's 14700K is also no longer getting any cheaper within the scope of the usual fluctuations, with a minimum price of 380 euros (starting from 340,01 €) for immediate availability.
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