Guess what else the PC industry is short of now? Yes, that's right: multilayer ceramic capacitors

Published: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 12:52 pm

PC Component Shortage Deepens with Capacitor Crisis

The personal computer industry is facing another supply chain challenge, this time centered around multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs). These tiny components, essential for voltage control and noise filtering in CPUs, graphics cards, and motherboards, are now in short supply, leading to price increases and production delays.

According to a recent report, the demand for MLCCs is being significantly impacted by the rapid growth of the artificial intelligence (AI) sector. AI servers require a significantly higher number of MLCCs compared to standard servers, putting immense pressure on manufacturers.

Holy Stone, a Taiwan-based supplier of MLCCs, is experiencing extended lead times, with shipments taking over 20 weeks after an order is placed. Despite plans to expand output by up to 40% over the next two financial years, the company anticipates the situation worsening in the coming months.

The world's largest MLCC manufacturer, Murata Manufacturing, has already increased prices by 15% to 35% due to the supply constraints. While the specific types of MLCCs used in AI servers may differ from those in standard PC components, the overall impact on the industry is undeniable. The situation mirrors the high demand for high bandwidth memory (HBM), where manufacturers are prioritizing production, leading to higher prices for standard DRAM.

The PC industry has a history of navigating component shortages and price fluctuations, with recent examples including the cryptomining boom and the COVID-19 pandemic. The current situation, driven by the AI boom, adds another layer of complexity to the already strained supply chains.

BNN's Perspective:

The ongoing component shortages highlight the interconnectedness of the tech industry. While the AI sector's rapid expansion is driving demand for specialized components, it's also creating ripple effects across the broader PC market. This situation underscores the need for greater supply chain resilience and diversification to mitigate the impact of future disruptions.

Keywords: MLCC, multilayer ceramic capacitor, component shortage, PC industry, AI, artificial intelligence, supply chain, Holy Stone, Murata Manufacturing, price increase, DRAM, HBM, high bandwidth memory, PC components, manufacturing, technology

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