Intel reportedly says it boosted yields by selling what would normally be 'scrap' or 'low-expectation' CPUs — customers more willing to accept lesser chips due to overwhelming CPU demand

Generic silicon wafer for Samsung 3D NAND v9 story.

Following the release of its latest earnings report, which revealed an unexpected uptick in profit margins, Intel has reportedly confirmed that the lift at least partially stemmed from selling would-be scrap chips for a profit. In an X post on April 24 (below), tech industry analyst Ben Bajarin said he had received clarity directly from Intel’s Investor relations team that customers are sweeping up "what may have been scrap or low-expectation output" CPUs, bringing in tangible revenue for the company.

Got some clarity from Intel IR on additional lift to margins. Intel got an unexpected margin lift from better yield salvage. Chips that would normally have been lower-value edge-die on the wafer were binned down and still sold into usable SKUs, turning what may have been scrap…April 24, 2026