Intel restarts Raptor Lake CPU production for China amid DDR5 memory shortage

Intel has resumed manufacturing of its 13th‑generation (Raptor Lake) and 14th‑generation (Raptor Lake Refresh) Core desktop processors to supply the mainland China personal‑computer market. The decision responds to a global memory crunch that has driven DDR5 prices sharply higher, while large stocks of DDR4 remain under‑utilised. The older CPUs, which support both DDR4 and DDR5, allow Chinese OEMs and DIY builders to pair affordable chips with cheaper DDR4 motherboards and memory.

The production restart also includes an expected increase in output of Intel’s 10th‑ and 12th‑generation Core families. Industry observers note that motherboard makers are already boosting DDR4 board output through 2026‑2027, and Intel is said to be planning a DDR4‑friendly “Raptor Lake Next” generation for early 2027, extending the LGA‑1700 platform further. The move aims to provide a cost‑effective alternative for gamers and budget PC builders who cannot justify the inflated cost of DDR5‑based systems in the current supply environment.