AMD’s x86 CPU market share has surpassed 30% for the first time in over three decades, according to Mercury Research, dropping Intel’s share to 69.7%. This marks a significant increase from AMD’s 21.1% share two years ago, representing Intel’s lowest level since 1995. However, Mercury Research President Dean McCarron clarified that client share is solely the combined desktop and mobile CPU market. The report also notes that ARM-based chips from Apple, Qualcomm, and MediaTek are gaining ground, with ARM-inclusive PC client CPU share hitting a record 15.1% in Q2 2026. Despite AMD’s market share gains, declining demand for desktop PCs and limited GPU supplies are impacting the CPU market, suggesting the stock price surge is more tied to AI computing than x86 chips.
Mercury Research reports that AMD’s x86 CPU market share has crossed the 30% mark, while Intel’s share has dropped to 69.7%. Two years ago, AMD’s share stood at 21.1%, with the jump aligning with the company’s growing dominance over recent years.
Intel’s market share is currently at its lowest point since 1995, more than 30 years ago. Mercury Research President Dean McCarron highlights that “client share is just the combined desktop and mobile CPUs and nothing else.”
The report notes that ARM-based chips from Apple, Qualcomm, and MediaTek are increasing their presence. It states, “our estimate of Arm-inclusive PC client CPU share for the second quarter of 2026 is 15.1 percent, a 0.9 point increase and a new record high.”
AMD’s stock price has registered substantial gains over the last few years, but this rally has less to do with x86 chips and more to do with AI-based computing and data centers. The report indicates that demand for desktop CPUs has significantly fallen.
Mercury Research stated, “we believe that higher PC prices and limited GPU supplies are having a significant impact on end demand for desktop PCs, and thus desktop CPUs.” Given the falling demand for PC CPUs, AMD’s market share surge is unlikely to reflect in higher stock prices.
AMD’s stock price closed 3.49% (16.51 points) lower on Monday, August 24, 2026, but gained 2% (9.15 points) in after-market hours. While AMD’s PC CPU market may not lead to increased revenue, Wall Street remains bullish on the company’s AI expansion, as AI chips are the primary movers in the semiconductor sector.
