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The ongoing RAM shortage and steep price hikes are prompting Intel and AMD to reconsider older memory technology, with DDR4 making a comeback alongside renewed support for older processors, motherboard sockets and chipsets. The move could offer PC users a more affordable upgrade option as DDR5 memory prices continue to climb.
Gigabyte announced on Friday that two of its motherboard lines will support upcoming processors built on Intel's LGA 1700 socket. Introduced in 2021 with Intel's 12th-generation Alder Lake CPUs, the socket supported both DDR4 and DDR5 memory. However, Intel moved to a DDR5-only approach in 2024.
As per Gigabyte, the two memory types can be supported once again, with the new generation LGA 1700 processors slated to hit the market in early 2027. Intel had no comment when asked for a statement.
The re-introduction of support for two memory types may make it possible for people to upgrade their processors without having to switch from the existing DDR4 memory to DDR5 memory, which is relatively costly.
AMD is following a similar approach by bringing renewed attention to its older AM4 platform, which supports DDR4 memory.
In August, Gigabyte announced a new series of motherboards for the AM4 platform alongside the 10th-anniversary relaunch of AMD's Ryzen 7 5800X3D processor.
The move suggests that older hardware platforms could remain relevant for users seeking to upgrade their systems without paying the premium currently associated with newer memory technology.
First introduced in 2014, DDR4 has since been succeeded by DDR5, which offers faster speeds and better power efficiency. However, the current RAM shortage has changed the cost equation, with DDR4 prices appearing less affected by the increases than DDR5.
The price difference is significant. A 32GB Corsair Vengeance DDR5 RAM kit currently costs USD 620, while the corresponding DDR4 kit costs USD 260. Although DDR4 memory is also more expensive than it typically was in mid-2025, the DDR5 kit costs more than twice as much.
For users building or upgrading PCs on a budget, those savings could outweigh DDR5's performance and efficiency advantages.
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Memory prices may take years to decline, making older sockets and chipsets a practical option for some PC users. While DDR5 remains the more advanced technology, its current cost could make DDR4 a sensible short-term alternative.
For existing DDR4 users, the renewed support also offers a reason to hold on to their current memory rather than replace it during the ongoing shortage.
