The AI boom is forcing a weird DDR4 comeback for budget gaming builds. ASUS is reportedly ramping up production of older DDR4 motherboards starting early 2026, focusing on AMD’s AM4 platform with chipsets like the B550 and A520, and Intel’s LGA 1700 platform with DDR4 versions of the B760 and H610. This strategic pivot aims to address the severe shortage and high prices of DDR5 memory, offering a viable, if less performant, path for users to assemble cheaper gaming PCs.
This move acknowledges a market regression, where gamers will experience a performance dip compared to newer DDR5 systems, especially with popular AM4 CPUs like the Ryzen 5000X3D series becoming scarce. The plan prioritizes supplying these DDR4 boards through both online e-commerce channels and traditional retail networks. ASUS adjusting its supply chain highlights how the memory shortage is reshaping the PC component landscape, potentially prompting other motherboard vendors to follow suit with similar production shifts for older platforms.
This move acknowledges a market regression, where gamers will experience a performance dip compared to newer DDR5 systems, especially with popular AM4 CPUs like the Ryzen 5000X3D series becoming scarce. The plan prioritizes supplying these DDR4 boards through both online e-commerce channels and traditional retail networks. ASUS adjusting its supply chain highlights how the memory shortage is reshaping the PC component landscape, potentially prompting other motherboard vendors to follow suit with similar production shifts for older platforms.
