Significant Growth in CPU Shipments During Q3 Driven by Windows 10 End of Life

In the third quarter of 2025, CPU shipments continued to rise, mirroring trends observed in the previous two quarters. However, this growth was influenced by distinct factors, notably the conclusion of Windows 10 support, which has contributed to a notable surge in demand.

Client CPU Shipments Increased by 2.2% Quarter-on-Quarter; Server CPU Shipments Rose by 13.7% Year-on-Year

Recent insights from John Peddie Research (JPR) highlight significant trends in CPU shipment dynamics across both the Client and Server markets. Data indicates a consistent upward trajectory in CPU shipments for the third consecutive quarter in 2025, primarily attributed to the impending end of Windows 10. Initial growth in the first two quarters was largely driven by uncertainties surrounding tariffs.

A chart titled 'Total client CPUs (M units)' shows Desktop CPUs maintaining around 30% share while Notebook CPUs increase from 70% to 71% between Q3'24 and Q2'25, before returning to 70% in Q3'25. — Image Credit: JPR

JPR noted that the winding down of Windows 10 support significantly catalyzed user upgrades, as many users looking to transition to Windows 11 must meet stringent prerequisites, including TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot compatibility. Consequently, older CPUs unable to fulfill these requirements fell out of consideration for upgrades. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have capitalized on this trend, benefiting from an uptick in CPU shipments, with expectations of continued growth into the next quarter.

We think the PC CPUs’ growth was prompted mostly by the end-of-life of Windows 10, and a little bit due to the tariffs,

The client PC market has now had three consecutive quarters of growth, which, except for Q3, is out of sync with traditional seasonality trends. We don’t expect Q4 to be very strong.

– JPR

Looking ahead, growth expectations for Q4 remain modest, likely mirroring the 2.2% increase observed in Q3 2025. This figure, while positive, represents a notable decline compared to a remarkable 7.9% surge in the second quarter, largely fueled by uncertainty stemming from U. S.tariff policies.

A bar chart titled 'Server CPUs (M units)' shows Intel server CPUs with a higher percentage than AMD in Q3'24 and Q2'25, with Intel's share decreasing slightly by Q3'25. — Image Credit: JPR

The data reveals that the shares for both Desktop and Laptop CPU segments have stabilized at 70% and 30%, respectively. While there was a slight increase in Laptop share in Q2, it has reverted to levels seen in Q3 of 2024. The server CPU market showed a consistent quarterly growth of 2.7%, echoing patterns seen within the Client segment, pushing overall server CPU shipments up by 13.7% year-on-year.

For further insights, refer to the original news source: JPR.

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