Intel LGA 1700 socket to support new CPUs and DDR4 in 2027

Gigabyte has announced BIOS updates for its B760 and H610 motherboard series to support upcoming Intel processors expected in early 2027. This move extends the life of the LGA 1700 socket, which was previously expected to be phased out in favor of DDR5-only platforms.

The decision is largely driven by a global RAM shortage and the high cost of DDR5 memory, fueled by increased demand from AI data centers. By maintaining support for DDR4, manufacturers are offering a more affordable upgrade path for consumers. For example, a 32GB DDR4 kit is significantly cheaper than an equivalent DDR5 kit.

While Intel has not officially confirmed the specific models, industry reports suggest the new chips may belong to a “Raptor Lake Next” or “Core 2000” series. These processors are expected to offer various core configurations, including high-performance and efficiency cores, while allowing users to retain their existing DDR4 hardware.