[News] Motherboard and Module Makers Reportedly Expand DDR4 Platforms Amid Rising DDR5 Costs

Several vendors are reportedly ramping up DDR4 production as demand remains strong. According to Wccftech, higher DDR5 prices are contributing to stronger demand for DDR4 platforms. While DDR4 prices have also increased, they remain significantly lower than those of comparable DDR5 modules. The report notes that DDR4-based platforms also retain a cost advantage over DDR5 alternatives.

As Tom’s Hardware highlights, both motherboard vendors and memory module makers are increasingly positioning for a resurgence in DDR4 platforms. The report says motherboard manufacturers are ramping up production of DDR4-compatible motherboards for the second half of 2026 and into 2027.

AMD and Intel Extend Support for DDR4-Based Platforms

AMD’s AM4 platform is a notable example of DDR4 gaining traction. According to Wccftech, AM4’s popularity has climbed to nearly 40%, narrowing the gap with AM5. Ryzen 5000-series processors, including the Ryzen 5 5500 and Ryzen 7 5800XT, remain among Amazon’s 10 best-selling CPUs, highlighting the platform’s enduring appeal. The report adds that AMD’s revival of the AM4-based Ryzen 7 5800X3D 10th Anniversary Edition could further boost demand and help AM4 stay competitive with AM5.

Supporting that view, Tom’s Hardware notes that AMD has shifted the 5800X3D to a hybrid bonding process, positioning the chip for a longer production run and reinforcing the company’s continued commitment to the AM4 platform.

A similar trend is emerging on Intel’s side. Wccftech notes that Intel’s LGA 1700 platform remains as popular as, if not more popular than, the newer LGA 1851 platform in several regions. Because LGA 1700 supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, motherboard vendors are expected to increase the availability of DDR4-based models to meet growing demand.

Intel is also continuing its support for DDR4. According to Tom’s Hardware, Nish Neelalojanan, senior director of product management for Intel’s Client Computing Group, said the company will keep offering DDR4-supporting products across both desktop and mobile platforms.

TrendForce projects that DDR4 products will continue to be in short supply in 2026 and that prices will remain on an upward trend.

Meanwhile, according to Tom’s Hardware, wafer allocation remains the primary bottleneck for DDR4, posing a potential challenge to a broader shift back toward DDR4 platforms.

Read more

• [News] AMD Lifts Server CPU Outlook to 35%+ CAGR, $120B by 2030; Warns on Memory-Driven PC, Gaming Weakness
• [News] Intel Won’t Discontinue Raptor Lake DDR4 Models, Supports Lower-Memory Configurations Amid Shortages

(Photo credit: AMD)