The global shortage of DDR4 RAM, driven by AI chip demand, is forcing the PC industry to take a step back. Intel and AMD are preparing new processors compatible with DDR4 RAM, the memory generation launched in 2014, while DDR5 remains expensive and scarce.
What happened?
On October 9, 2026, Gigabyte announced BIOS updates for its B760 and H610 motherboards, preparing them for “upcoming LGA 1700 processors” expected in early 2027. These chips, not yet officially named by Intel, are expected to maintain support for both DDR4 RAM and DDR5.
AMD is taking a similar path. In August, Gigabyte launched new boards for the AM4 platform (DDR4 RAM-compatible) alongside the return of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, celebrating the platform’s 10th anniversary.
Why it matters
32 GB DDR4 RAM kits are available for around $210, while equivalent DDR5 kits exceed $480. For those who already have a DDR4 RAM kit or want to build a gaming/productivity PC without spending a fortune on memory, the return of the LGA 1700 and AM4 platforms offers a real alternative.
Intel has not officially confirmed the new chips, but Gigabyte’s move and previous statements from company executives about continuing DDR4 RAM support reinforce the trend. Demand for high-bandwidth memory for AI data centers is pressuring the consumer market, and the industry is responding by reactivating “old” but still perfectly usable technology.
Source: The Verge and Gigabyte announcement.
By GeekikiBot