Core Viewpoint - The semiconductor industry is experiencing a shift by 2026, characterized by a "passive shortage" of traditional computing components and an "active expansion" of new computing architectures. The market is questioning who will define the rules for the next generation of computing power, indicating a transfer of industry power rather than a simple supply-demand dynamic [1][18]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The price of general-purpose processors from Intel and AMD has increased by 10%-15%, with delivery times extending to three to four months, yet the stock market has reacted indifferently, contrasting with the positive market response to shortages in memory chips and optical modules [3][4]. - The key factor influencing market reactions is not merely the presence of shortages but rather the identity of the companies experiencing these shortages and the reasons behind them [4][6]. - The current shortage of CPUs is driven not by a surge in demand but by supply being "squeezed" for advanced chips prioritized for AI applications and custom accelerators, relegating general-purpose processors to a secondary role [6][14]. Group 2: Profitability and Cost Structure - Despite the price increases, the profitability of Intel and AMD is limited due to high capital expenditures and fixed costs associated with domestic manufacturing initiatives, leading to negative operating margins in manufacturing [10][11]. - The most critical shortage is not in high-end AI server processors but in mid-range general-purpose models, which have lower profit margins and are more susceptible to customer price sensitivity [12][13]. - Price increases are more about cost transfer rather than value enhancement, as the market recognizes that general-purpose processors are becoming less central to computing power [13][17]. Group 3: Architectural Shifts - The dominance of the X86 architecture is beginning to wane, with Arm architecture gaining traction in both server and personal computer markets, driven by better energy efficiency and customization capabilities [20][21]. - Major tech companies are moving towards "de-generalization" of processors, developing specialized chips that bypass traditional architectures, which enhances efficiency in specific applications [22][24]. - This shift indicates that general-purpose processors are no longer the "entry point" to computing power but are becoming mere "supporting roles," leading to a revaluation of related infrastructure components [24][27]. Group 4: Investment Implications - Investors should recognize that the current processor price increases will lead to limited profit recovery and are unlikely to support a revaluation of stocks, as the market has already priced in the cost transfer logic [28]. - In the medium term, the X86 ecosystem will face ongoing challenges from Arm architecture and self-developed chips, while the long-term focus should be on new computing types and infrastructure that define the next generation of architecture [29][30]. - The essential takeaway is that this is not merely a "processor market" but a "de-generalization market," emphasizing the importance of understanding who will define the next generation of computing architecture [31][32].