Intel Core 2 Duo E8000 series shortage - prices jump 20%

Intel introduced the E8000 desktop CPU series, which feature enhanced performance and power efficiency, on January 20. Despite that the launch drew attention, Intel's strategically planned shipments have led to a shortage, the sources said. Driven by the attempt to lessen impact to sales of E6000 CPUs before inventory is completely sold, Intel is cautiously monitoring shipments of the 45nm-based CPUs, they explained.
In light of the shortages, some channel distributors have raised the price of E8000 CPUs by over 20%. The E8400, for example, is priced above NT$8,300 (US$257), up from the original NT$6,800. Some channels are only willing to sell E8000 series CPUs at a cheaper price if customers buy them bundled with specific hardware, the sources observed. Despite the CPUs being short of demand, sales of E6000 series models have not shown any improvement, the sources said.