Intel extends older processors as DDR5 memory prices soar

Prices for DDR5 memory have surged sharply as demand from artificial‑intelligence workloads outstrips supply, prompting a renewed market for older RAM standards. TrendForce reports that demand for DDR2 modules rose 60 % in the third quarter of 2026, while manufacturers are increasingly reverting to DDR4 to curb costs. Only two firms, Winbond and ESMT, still produce DDR2 chips, and some OEMs are deliberately lowering system specifications to use older memory.

In response, Intel is expected to keep producing its 13th‑ and 14th‑generation Raptor Lake desktop CPUs, which support both DDR4 and DDR5, thereby extending the life of existing platforms. The company may also introduce a “Raptor Lake Next” line in early 2027 that would remain compatible with DDR4 memory, offering a cheaper upgrade path for gamers and PC builders facing high component prices.