As DDR5 RAM prices continue to balloon with no end in sight, Asus is apparently planning to turn back the clock and increase its DDR4 motherboard production. However, those looking for a proper renaissance of AM4 and LGA1700 platforms should lower their expectations.
According to chatter on Board Channels, internal documents at Asus indicate the manufacturer plans to increase its supply of motherboards with B550 and A520 chipsets. Unfortunately, it seems like X570 isn’t on the cards, which suggests Asus is planning to target affordable options rather than properly restart AM4 production.
Asus is reportedly adopting a similar approach with LGA1700 motherboards, with increased manufacturing of boards based on B760 and H-series chipsets. However, the company is apparently making these boards with e-commerce channels in mind, suggesting this is more of a business-to-business play rather than one targeting consumers.
Under normal circumstances, increasing production of last-generation platforms would be highly unusual. However, the ongoing DRAM crisis is reportedly already resulting in a current-generation motherboard sales collapse, as consumers are unable to procure compatible memory, either due to availability or price.
In response, demand for AM4 and LGA1700 processors has notably increased. This has prompted calls for AMD to resurrect the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, including from us. However, there’s no sign of AMD entertaining such a notion, instead offering the AM5 Ryzen 5 7500X3D as its most recent release.
It’s clear to me that Asus will find an audience for its new stock, as there’s demonstrable hunger from consumers for DDR4 CPUs and motherboards. It’s a welcome pivot for the moment, but the longevity of this approach seems dubious. After all, production of new DDR4 kits is on its last legs, meaning prices are likely to similarly spiral upwards.
There’s no word on whether other motherboard manufacturers, such as MSI, Gigabyte, plan to recalibrate their production focus. Given the current state of the DDR5 market, one can only hope these companies also see the value in giving older platforms further life.
Turning attention to the immediate future, expect the focus of brands at CES 2025 to be on AM5 and LGA1700. After all, Intel has Arrow Lake Refresh chips on the way, while AMD looks likely to be working on the Ryzen 7 9850X3D and Ryzen 9 9950X3D2.
Whatever is in the works, you can expect to find all the important announcements on our Google News feed. Consider adding Club386 to your Google Preferred Sources too, so you’re more likely to see our coverage first.
