With the RAM pricing crisis showing no sign of easing up any time soon, Intel is reportedly looking to accompany its upcoming Raptor Lake Refresh launch with new DDR4 motherboards. That would mean you could still use your old DDR4 memory from an ageing machine, and still get one of Intel’s latest CPUs.
Regular tech leaker Jaykihn, who we’ve found is often reliable when it comes to Intel gossip, replied to a user on X asking: “what are the chances that the refresh will include new DDR4 motherboards.” Jaykihn responded that the chances were “high,” which is potentially good news for any PC users who haven’t taken the plunge and bought into DDR5 memory yet.
Intel’s Raptor Lake CPUs are in a uniquely beneficial position here, as they feature both DDR4 and DDR5 memory controllers by default. However, most new motherboards only supported DDR5 RAM when Intel’s 14th-gen lineup launched, especially when it come to boards based on the Z790 chipset. With DDR5 RAM prices becoming more ridiculous by the day, though, it looks like Intel is going to make the most of its DDR4 compatibility here.
This corresponds with information that Intel’s VP and GM of its enthusiast channel, Robert Hallock, told us in a previous interview. ““Raptor Lake is a big part of our strategy – I want to be very clear about that,” said Hallock. “You’ve also seen some new motherboard announcements that support both DDR4 and 5 on Raptor Lake, as kind of like a bridge between worlds for people,” says Hallock. “That is reflective of our overall confidence and expectations.”
Indeed, the ASRock H610M Combo II offers one DDR4 slot, as well as two DDR5 slots, and we may well see more of these hybrid approaches if Intel does indeed launch a new lineup of Raptor Lake chips. However, in the current crisis, some DDR4 motherboards with B760 and Z790 chipsets are likely to go down a treat, particularly if they offer support for some of the latest networking tech.
Although Intel hasn’t officially announced its reportedly upcoming Raptor Lake Refresh, we’ve seen many leaks about them already. According to various sources, the new chips will sport Core 200 branding, and there apparently won’t be a Core i9 version either. The new chips are expected to launch in early 2027, and continue using the LGA1700 socket, like their predecessors, while also offering a mix of both P-Cores and E-Cores, unlike Bartlett Lake.
While we await more information, check out our guide to buying the best DDR4 CPU if you’re looking for an upgrade that supports your existing memory.
