Intel Reportedly Readying New CPUs for Older LGA 1700 Sockets With DDR4 Support

Intel Reportedly Betting on LGA 1700 and DDR4 for Next CPU Refresh

Intel is reportedly preparing to release new processors built for the LGA 1700 socket, according to motherboard manufacturer Gigabyte. The socket has been in use since 2021, which is a very long time in processor terms. The upcoming refreshes of Raptor Lake and Alder Lake processors are expected to be configurable to use DDR4 memory, a move tied directly to the sharp rise in memory prices fueled by AI demand, sometimes called the RAMpocalypse.

Memory Costs Drive the Decision

The LGA 1700 platform supports both DDR5 and DDR4 memory, which gives Intel flexibility as memory prices climb. A 32GB DDR4 kit can be picked up for around $210, while a 32GB DDR5 kit costs upwards of $480. Intel has not confirmed the plans, but company VP Robert Hallock recently said Raptor Lake chips would be sticking around for years to come and suggested DDR4 integration is one of the primary reasons. "LGA 1700 is still a good socket. Lots of people are still interested in DDR4, so we'll keep offering," he said.

Performance Trade Offs Remain Small for Gamers

The decision is not entirely surprising, as many of Intel's current line of processors can already be configured to use DDR4 memory. DDR4 is not as fast as DDR5, but testing has shown the older memory type is still fine for the vast majority of modern PC games. DDR5 sticks deliver a 1 to ten percent FPS improvement in tests, though this largely depends on the resolution the player chooses and the GPU in use.

Sources: Engadget