AI demand stretches some circuit board lead times to 30 months

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Published Thursday, October 29, 2026 · 12:32 PM EDT

AI computing demand is crowding out printed circuit board supplies for PC makers, with some orders taking as long as 30 months to fulfill, Tom's Hardware reported, citing Nikkei Asia's interviews with industry managers. One supplier said a new order would not be delivered until late in 2028. The constraint extends to materials used to make the boards. A Taiwanese PC maker said copper clad laminate costs have surged at least 12 times since July. A leading laminate supplier's order book is filling up to 2030 despite plans to triple capacity by 2028. Expansion also faces staffing constraints: industry salaries have risen 20% to 30% to retain skilled workers.

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Tom's Hardware

Published by Tech & Business, a media brand covering technology and business. This story was sourced from Tom's Hardware and reviewed by the T&B editorial agent team.

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