Intel and AMD Revive DDR4 Support Amid RAM Price Surge

Image: The Verge · Source

Faced with soaring RAM prices, Intel and AMD are introducing new CPUs and motherboards supporting older DDR4 memory, offering a more affordable upgrade path compared to DDR5. Gigabyte leads with announcements of compatible motherboards for upcoming processors.

Memory prices for PCs have seen significant increases, posing challenges for consumers looking to upgrade their systems. In response, both Intel and AMD are returning to support DDR4 memory, a standard first released in 2014 and largely replaced by the faster DDR5. Intel plans to launch new CPUs compatible with DDR4 on the LGA 1700 socket as early as 2027, reviving the cross-compatibility feature initially introduced with the 12th generation Alder Lake CPUs in 2021. This move reverses Intel’s recent shift toward DDR5-only platforms in 2024, reflecting the need to offer buyers a more cost-effective option amid the latest RAM shortages and price hikes.

Gigabyte has announced that two of its motherboard lines will support these upcoming LGA 1700 processors with DDR4 compatibility, signaling industry backing for the strategy. AMD is pursuing a similar approach by releasing new motherboards on its older AM4 platform with DDR4 support, timed with a relaunch of its Ryzen 7 5800X3D CPU, marking the 10th anniversary of that platform.

The price disparity is notable. For example, a 32GB DDR5 kit can cost over twice as much as an equivalent DDR4 kit, reaching $620 compared to $260, despite DDR5 offering higher speeds and better power efficiency. The current market dynamics suggest that the benefits of DDR5 may not justify its premium price for many users.

This shift suggests it could take several years before DDR5 prices normalize. In the meanwhile, the renewed support for DDR4 provides a pragmatic alternative for PC builders and upgraders, who might be well-advised to retain their existing DDR4 memory modules. While DDR5 remains the future, the practical economics of today’s market are leading to a return to more established and affordable technologies.