Intel and AMD are set to reintroduce support for DDR4 RAM in their upcoming CPUs, a significant shift prompted by ongoing RAM price increases that have made upgrading more challenging for consumers. This development, confirmed by Gigabyte’s announcement regarding new motherboards compatible with Intel’s LGA 1700 socket, marks a strategic pivot for both companies as they aim to provide more affordable options in a market increasingly dominated by the pricier DDR5 memory.
Gigabyte revealed on Friday that its new motherboard lines will support processors built on the LGA 1700 socket, which was first introduced with Intel’s 12th generation Alder Lake CPUs in 2021. Initially, this socket supported both DDR4 and DDR5 RAM, but Intel shifted to a DDR5-only approach in 2024. However, Gigabyte’s announcement indicates that dual-format support is being revived, with new LGA 1700 chips expected to launch in early 2027.
This change is largely due to the LGA 1700’s compatibility with both RAM types, which has become increasingly relevant as consumers face rising costs associated with DDR5. By allowing users to upgrade their CPUs without the need to invest in new, expensive DDR5 memory, Intel and AMD are responding to market demands for more cost-effective solutions. AMD is also following suit; in August, Gigabyte announced a new series of motherboards for AMD’s last-gen, DDR4-compatible AM4 platform, coinciding with the relaunch of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D CPU.
Originally launched in 2014, DDR4 RAM has been overshadowed by the faster DDR5, which offers significant advantages in speed and power efficiency. However, the current RAM shortage has altered the cost-benefit analysis for consumers. For instance, a 32GB DDR5 Corsair Vengeance RAM kit is priced at approximately $620, while its DDR4 counterpart costs around $260. This stark price difference highlights the financial strain of upgrading to DDR5, making DDR4 a more appealing option despite its age.
As the RAM shortage continues, it may take years for prices to stabilize, prompting consumers to reconsider their hardware choices. The reintroduction of older sockets and chipsets signals a potential shift in the market, allowing users to retain their DDR4 RAM while still benefiting from newer CPU technology. This strategic move by Intel and AMD could reshape consumer purchasing decisions in the near future.
