CPU manufacturers are bringing back DDR4 RAM, with new CPUs supporting the older, more affordable type. Intel and AMD’s new chips are set to launch in early 2027, offering users a choice between the latest and the legacy.

The RAM shortage has led to price hikes, making DDR5 RAM kits significantly more expensive than their DDR4 counterparts, prompting the return of DDR4. A DDR4 32GB kit currently costs just over half the price of a DDR5 equivalent.

Intel’s strategy aims to offer users the option of a new CPU without forcing them to upgrade to the newer, pricier technology. Gigabyte’s new motherboards for AMD’s AM4 platform and LGA 1700 socket further support this move.

For now, hanging onto DDR4 RAM is a smart move, but the prices of DDR5 could drop in the future. The return of older technology suggests that in times of scarcity, even cutting-edge solutions can seem outdated.