Lead time

Lead time is the span between placing an order and the goods actually arriving. For hardware it splits into two numbers. Stock lead time ships from parts a distributor already holds on the shelf. Build lead time covers a configuration that has to be assembled, tested, or manufactured to order first.

A memory kit or drive with distributor stock typically ships in one to three days. A server built to a specific CPU, memory, and storage configuration commonly quotes two to six weeks. Allocated parts run far longer. At the peak of the 2023 AI buildout, H100 based servers were reported at 36 to 52 weeks. Nothing runs that long today, but allocation on a hot SKU still pushes weeks past a standard quote.

A build ships on its slowest component, not its average, so find the longest lead time item in a bill of materials before quoting a delivery date. Ask for a lead time confirmed against current stock rather than a catalog figure, since allocation status moves week to week on high-demand parts.

Sources

Last verified August 29, 2026.