# AI demand stretches some circuit board lead times to 30 months

_Published Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 12:32 PM EDT · Infrastructure, Products · Latest · Tier 2 — Notable_

![PCB — Primary](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2SGjpLqA7hss9AbwiWdk7-2000-80.jpg)

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.

## Sources

- [Tom's Hardware](https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/ai-demand-triggers-massive-pcb-shortage-for-pc-makers-as-order-books-full-until-2030-lead-times-stretch-to-30-months-as-material-costs-surge-12x)

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Canonical: https://techandbusiness.org/newswire/iRpI4ERSKq37TBtLD2UpO2
Published: 2026-10-29T16:32:54.993Z
Story chronology: 2026-10-29T15:25:25.000Z
Retrieved: 2026-10-29T18:42:36.633Z
Publisher: Tech & Business (techandbusiness.org)