PCPer Podcast 866: Intel Stock Hits Record High, Microsoft Fixes Update, ROG Equalizer, and MORE!

Why It Matters

Intel’s resurgence and Microsoft’s update changes signal shifting profit drivers and user experience priorities in the PC market, affecting investors, OEMs, and enterprise IT strategies.

Key Takeaways

• Intel shares hit all‑time high, driven by AI‑related earnings rebound.
• Intel’s margin rose to ~40% after selling previously scrap‑grade chips.
• Intel secured a foundry partnership with Tesla for 14A process technology.
• Microsoft now lets users pause Windows 11 updates indefinitely via calendar UI.
• AMD continues to dominate DIY CPU sales, while Intel’s 270K struggles.

Summary

The PC Perspective podcast episode 866 opened with a roundup of tech‑industry headlines, most notably Intel’s stock soaring to an all‑time high and Microsoft’s latest Windows 11 update tweaks. The hosts riffed on food, Patreon supporters, and a quirky intro before diving into the numbers that are moving markets.

Intel reported a modestly better quarter, with revenue around $13.6 billion and margins climbing from 37% to nearly 40%. The boost came from higher‑margin AI‑related CPU demand, a new foundry deal with Tesla for its 14A node, and an unconventional yield‑improvement strategy: selling chips that would previously have been scrapped. Meanwhile, AMD still dominates the DIY CPU market, holding the top ten bestseller slots on Amazon, and Intel’s flagship 270K Plus faces availability challenges.

A memorable moment was the discussion of Microsoft’s Windows 11 update policy, now allowing users to pause updates indefinitely via a calendar interface—addressing long‑standing complaints about forced reboots. The hosts also highlighted Intel’s margin‑enhancing practice of repurposing edge‑die chips, and the broader industry shift as AI workloads keep CPUs relevant despite the GPU surge.

For investors, Intel’s stock rally underscores renewed confidence in its AI‑centric roadmap and foundry diversification. PC builders see continued AMD dominance, but Intel’s margin tactics and Tesla partnership could reshape supply dynamics. Microsoft’s update flexibility may improve user satisfaction and enterprise rollout stability, influencing the broader PC ecosystem.

Original Description

Recorded April 29, 2026.

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

0:39 Patreon

2:18 Food with Josh

3:55 Intel stock hits record high

12:06 Microsoft feels enough pressure to fix Update

16:29 GALAX shuts down

19:11 Portable hotspots face US ban just like routers

22:44 57 Right to Repair bills in 27 states

26:25 NES or Acemagic Retro X5 AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 Mini PC?

30:40 Fractal Pop 2 Vision

33:49 Some discussion of the ROG Equalizer

40:37 We look at an eBay listing here

42:24 (In)Security Corner

49:03 Gaming Quick Hits

59:47 Picks of the Week

1:07:39 Outro