Intel’s Alder and Raptor Lake/Refresh CPU Prices Spike in South Korea

Intel’s 12th, 13th, and 14th gen desktop CPUs are getting more expensive in multiple markets, and the biggest impact is hitting budget-friendly parts. After reports of price jumps in Japan, South Korea is now seeing similar increases across popular LGA 1700 processors, according to pricing tracked by local comparison platforms.

The trend is most visible among entry-level and midrange chips. In South Korea, notable movers include the Core i3-14100F, Core i5-12400F, Core i5-13400F, and Core i5-14600KF. Some models have risen by double digits within just a few weeks, while a handful of SKUs remain relatively stable for now.

Key takeaways:
– Budget and midrange Intel LGA 1700 CPUs are leading the price surge.
– 12th gen Alder Lake, 13th gen Raptor Lake, and 14th gen Raptor Lake Refresh parts are all affected.
– Not every processor is climbing; a few SKUs are holding steady, at least for the moment.
– This pattern hasn’t broadly appeared in North America, where prices are mostly flat compared to last month.

Notable price changes in South Korea from late September to October:
– Core i3-14100F: 121,990 Won -> 140,000 Won (+15%)
– Core i5-12400F: 159,140 Won -> 177,290 Won (+11%)
– Core i5-13400F: 210,430 Won -> 240,000 Won (+14%)
– Core i5-14400F: 209,000 Won -> 235,650 Won (+6%)
– Core i5-14600KF: 263,400 Won -> 298,710 Won (+13%)
– Core i7-13900K: 967,000 Won -> 1,251,900 Won (+29%)

Beyond these, the Core i7-13700K has stayed near September levels, and chips like the Core i3-13100F, Core i5-12600K, and Core i7-12700K haven’t seen significant movement. Still, with multiple SKUs now trending upward, more increases could follow, including on models that have so far been spared.

For PC builders and upgraders weighing the LGA 1700 platform, the window for snagging budget CPUs at their recent lows may be closing in some regions. If you’re planning a value-focused build in affected markets, it may be worth acting sooner rather than later—or keeping an eye on alternatives and watching for short-term retailer promotions.