AMD Chief Blames Intel’s ‘Horrible’ Processors for Shortages (March 2026)
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In a rare display of corporate trash-talking, AMD’s chief architect of gaming solutions Frank Azor called Intel’s latest Arrow Lake processors “horrible” during a CES 2026 media roundtable.
AMD executives blame Intel’s disappointing Arrow Lake processors for creating unexpected demand that led to widespread Ryzen 7 9800X3D shortages.
The controversy erupted when Azor explained the supply shortage: “We knew we built a great part. We didn’t know the competitor had built such a horrible one.”
This unprecedented public criticism reveals deeper issues in the CPU market, where AMD now dominates with 95% market share at major retailers while Intel struggles with its worst gaming processor launch in years.
What AMD Executives Actually Said About Intel?
AMD executives made their criticism of Intel’s Arrow Lake processors explicit during CES 2026, breaking typical corporate etiquette.
Frank Azor’s complete statement provides crucial context: “The demand for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D exceeded even our most aggressive expectations, in part because we knew we built a great part. We didn’t know the competitor had built such a horrible one.”
David McAfee, AMD’s Corporate VP and General Manager, added technical perspective about the supply challenges.
⚠️ Important: AMD executives confirmed that 9800X3D manufacturing requires 12-13 weeks for wafer production plus additional time for 3D V-Cache stacking, making rapid supply increases impossible.
Here are the five key statements from AMD executives at CES 2026:
- “Horrible product”: Direct criticism of Intel Arrow Lake’s gaming performance
- “Unprecedented demand”: 9800X3D selling faster than any previous X3D processor
- “Manufacturing complexity”: 3D V-Cache production can’t be rapidly scaled
- “First half 2026“: Timeline for supply normalization
- “Competitive dynamics”: Intel’s failures directly impacting AMD supply planning
Understanding the AMD-Intel Rivalry
The CPU wars between AMD and Intel have defined PC performance for decades, but this level of public criticism marks a new chapter.
Intel dominated the gaming CPU market from 2006 to 2017, leaving AMD struggling with its Bulldozer architecture.
AMD’s Ryzen comeback began in 2017, but Intel maintained gaming supremacy until the introduction of 3D V-Cache technology in 2022.
The rivalry intensified when AMD’s AMD Ryzen AM5 CPU guide shows how the platform evolved to challenge Intel’s dominance.
| Metric | AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D | Intel Core Ultra 9 285K | Performance Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gaming Performance | 100% (baseline) | 79% | 21% slower |
| MSRP | $479 | $589 | $110 cheaper |
| Power Consumption | 120W TDP | 125W base | Similar |
| Platform Cost | AM5 (mature) | LGA1851 (new) | AMD cheaper |
Intel’s Arrow Lake promised efficiency improvements but delivered gaming regression, opening the door for AMD’s aggressive criticism.
Market Impact: Sales Data Tells the Story
German retailer Mindfactory’s sales data for the first week of 2026 reveals the dramatic market shift following Intel’s Arrow Lake launch.
“AMD sold 8,830 processors while Intel managed only 435 units, with Arrow Lake accounting for just 20 sales.”
– Mindfactory Sales Data, January 2026
The 95.3% AMD market share represents Intel’s worst retail performance in modern history.
✅ Pro Tip: Retailers report 5,000 Ryzen 9800X3D backorders fulfilled in the first week of 2026, with thousands more waiting.
eBay scalping prices reached $800+ for the $479 MSRP processor, demonstrating severe supply-demand imbalance.
AMD’s production increase plans won’t fully address shortages until Q2 2026, maintaining premium pricing.
Why Intel Arrow Lake Disappointed Gamers?
Intel’s Arrow Lake processors suffer from specific technical issues that destroyed gaming performance expectations.
The primary problem involves memory latency regression compared to previous-generation Raptor Lake processors.
- 21% slower in Cyberpunk 2077: Direct performance regression versus 14th Gen
- Missing PPM package: Power management issues affecting boost behavior
- DDR5 latency problems: Memory subsystem optimization failures
- Thread scheduling issues: Windows 11 compatibility problems
- BIOS instability: Multiple firmware updates failed to fix performance
Intel focused on efficiency over gaming performance, a strategic error given the enthusiast market’s priorities.
The company’s own benchmarks showed regression in gaming, yet they proceeded with the launch anyway.
This technical failure created the opportunity for AMD’s public criticism and market dominance.
What This Means for PC Builders in 2026?
PC builders face difficult decisions during the Ryzen 9800X3D shortage, with limited high-performance alternatives.
Consider these processor options based on your timeline and needs:
- Wait for 9800X3D (Best for gaming): Q2 2026 availability expected
- Buy Ryzen 7 7800X3D: Previous generation, still excellent for gaming
- Consider Ryzen 9 9950X: Better for productivity, decent gaming
- Avoid Intel Arrow Lake: Wait for next generation or buy 14th Gen
The best AMD Ryzen laptops offer alternatives for those needing immediate upgrades.
⏰ Time Saver: Check Discord stock alerts and retailer notifications rather than manually refreshing websites for 9800X3D availability.
AMD confirmed production increases throughout the first half of 2026, suggesting patience will be rewarded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly did Frank Azor say about Intel?
Frank Azor, AMD’s chief architect of gaming solutions, said at CES 2025: ‘We knew we built a great part. We didn’t know the competitor had built such a horrible one,’ referring to Intel’s Arrow Lake processors when explaining Ryzen 9800X3D shortages.
Why can’t AMD just make more 9800X3D processors quickly?
Manufacturing 3D V-Cache processors requires 12-13 weeks for wafer production plus additional weeks for the complex cache stacking process. This makes rapid production increases impossible despite high demand.
When will Ryzen 9800X3D be back in stock?
AMD executives indicated supply will improve throughout the first half of 2025, with significant availability expected by Q2 2025. Some retailers are fulfilling backorders weekly but new stock remains limited.
Is Intel Arrow Lake really that bad for gaming?
Yes, benchmarks show Arrow Lake processors are approximately 21% slower than AMD’s 9800X3D in games like Cyberpunk 2077, and often slower than Intel’s own previous generation, making them poor choices for gaming-focused builds.
Should I wait for 9800X3D or buy something else?
If gaming is your priority and you can wait until Q2 2025, the 9800X3D is worth waiting for. Otherwise, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D offers similar gaming performance and is occasionally available at retailers.
The Bottom Line
AMD’s public criticism of Intel represents a dramatic shift in competitive dynamics, backed by overwhelming market data.
Intel’s Arrow Lake failure created an opportunity AMD seized with superior technology and aggressive messaging.
The Ryzen 9800X3D shortage will persist through Q1 2026, but AMD’s dominance in gaming processors appears secure.
For more processor options, check out our AMD Ryzen 7 laptop reviews covering the latest mobile chips.
This controversy marks a turning point where AMD’s confidence matches its technology lead, fundamentally changing the CPU market landscape.