A severe CPU shortage is hitting the PC and server markets as Intel and AMD prioritize AI server demand over consumer chips. Prices for central processing units have jumped 10-15% on average, with wait times stretching from weeks to months. The crunch stems from surging AI inference demand, forcing PC makers to absorb higher costs.

Meanwhile, Taiwan continues attracting major investments despite geopolitical tensions. UPS opened its largest Asia-Pacific logistics hub near Taoyuan Airport, serving chip equipment giant Applied Materials. Air Liquide launched its first Taiwan chip materials facility in Taichung, while Chief Telecom plans a NT$3 billion AI data center expansion. These moves signal confidence in Taiwan's tech ecosystem.

Amid this backdrop, Alibaba unveiled its XuanTie C950 CPU based on open-source RISC-V architecture, targeting AI applications. The chip, verified for 5-nanometer production, aims to offer developers cheaper alternatives as memory and CPU costs rise. Asus's new AI PC now starts at NT$63,999, up from NT$40,900 last year, reflecting the industry's pricing pressures.