Prices of retail packages of Intel Core desktop processors could continue to rise over Q4-2018, as the company has reportedly cut their supply, in favor of tray/reel shipments to OEMs. This could mean DIY favorites such as the Core i5-8400, the i5-8600K, i5-9600K, or even Core i7 models such as the i7-8700K, i7-9700K, and the flagship i9-9900K could be severely in short supply, or heavily marked up wherever available. Intel recently devised a strategy to increase its Core processor volumes by pumping in an additional $1 billion to its usually-$15 billion capital expenditure, to fire up small-scale manufacturing facilities around the world, to augment its bigger fabs located in Malaysia and Vietnam. Sites like Mexico, Israel, and Ireland are beneficiaries of this move, and are being expanded. Much of Intel's efforts appear to be focused on making sure notebook and pre-built PC manufacturers aren't starved of processor inventory. The DIY retail channel, which consists of boxed processors, will foot the bill for this move. A good example of understocked retail channel would be the $499 Core i9-9900K processor being sold for upwards of $900 in some online stores. AMD is in an enviable position to fill the void, comments PCGamesN. Prices of its Ryzen desktop processor PIBs are either flat, or marginally cut; and socket AM4 motherboards are generally cheaper than LGA1151 ones. source https://www.techpowerup.com/249636/intel-cutting-retail-processor-supply-for-holiday-2018
Well not everywhere is extra expensive and not available. I can still get a i7-8700k for $329 at Microcenter and additional $30 off if getting it with a motherboard. Currently listed 10+ in stock. The price hasn't change much when I brought my 8700k. Guess you just have to look around for a good deal. https://www.microcenter.com/product/486088/core-i7-8700k-coffee-lake-37-ghz-lga-1151-boxed-processor i5 8600K for $219 - 10+ in stock https://www.microcenter.com/product/486089/core-i5-8600k-coffee-lake-36-ghz-lga-1151-boxed-processor i9 9700K for $399 - 10+ in stock https://www.microcenter.com/product/512484/core-i7-9700k-coffee-lake-36-ghz-lga-1151-boxed-processor
Bought my 8600K for 279 euro, cheapest i could find in Holland. i7 8700K is like 449 euro, a friend of mine bought it not too long ago for just 329,99 euro.
You do have to physically pick it up though which rules out a lot of people I reckon. Still good find for those who are near.
