Intel to restart older CPU production as DDR5 memory prices climb

Intel is considering reviving production of its 10th‑, 12th‑, 13th‑ and 14th‑generation Core processors, a move aimed at expanding supply for budget‑oriented PC builders. The decision responds to sharply higher DDR5 RAM prices that have made new platforms difficult to justify. At the same time, motherboard makers are planning to increase DDR4 board output through 2026‑27, and Intel has hinted at a “Raptor Lake Next” series that would keep the LGA 1700 socket compatible with DDR4 into early 2027.

Parallel to this, the industry is seeing a shift toward unified RAM, where memory is soldered directly to the processor package. While this can reduce latency and boost performance, it also prevents users from upgrading memory and raises system costs. The lack of replaceability may increase electronic waste, weighing against the performance gains for consumers and manufacturers alike.