Intel is warning vendors that the Skylake-X line of high-end desktop (HEDT) processors for enthusiasts is on its way out. At this time, vendors can still order new Skylake-X parts, but the process of discontinuing the lineup has begun. And, frankly, good riddance.

The discontinuation of the CPU line is a multi-step process. It begins with the issuance of a Product Change Notification (PCN) document by Intel for Skylake-X and Skylake-X Refresh CPUs (via ComputerBase). This document outlines dates for various steps to phase out certain CPUs. In this case, the key date is January 22, 2021, which is the last day vendors can order the CPUs outlined in the PCN, at which point they cannot be cancelled or returned.

However, depending on how many orders Intel receives, discontinued chips could theoretically continue to ship until July 9, 2021. This means that from now until this time next year at the latest is the last chance to purchase a Skylake-X or Skylake-X processor. Affected models include:

Several Xeon W-series workstation processors will also be discontinued, including 2102, 2104, 2123, 2125, 2133, 2135, 2145, 2155, 2195, and 2175.

Intel introduced its Skylake-X lineup about three years ago. They were not that popular and, like AMD's Threadripper processors, were always overkill for gaming. AMD, in particular, is trying to usher in an era of affordable multi-core processors that go beyond the 2- and 4-core options.

If you really want to, you can get an 18-core/36-thread Core i9 9980XE Extreme Edition CPU on Amazon or Newegg for around $1,900 to $2,000, or $1,200 if you try your luck on the marketplace. Such a purchase makes no sense when a 16-core/32-thread Ryzen 9 3950X can be had for about $670. Needless to say, Skylake-X has been replaced by the more affordable Cascade Lake-X series, culminating with the Core i9 10980XE released last year.

As for what's waiting around the corner, it's hard to judge; as ExtremeTech points out, we may not see another HEDT line from Intel this year. And then there is the question of whether Intel will bother to release another HEDT series based on the 14nm node, or whether it will hold out until 10nm.

There is still talk of a high-end Ice Lake Xeon after benchmarks leaked earlier this month, and this architecture could form the basis for a possible Ice Lake-X line of HEDT chips. Intel has said it will offer 10nm desktop processors, but whether it can actually do so is another matter entirely.

What is certain at this point is that Skylake-X has one foot out the door and at this point the door should be closed.