DDR4 memory support in new Intel processors

Intel is introducing 13th and 14th generation Core processors that support DDR4 memory, allowing users to upgrade their systems without replacing their motherboards. These processors are compatible with Intel LGA1700 motherboards sold between 2021 and 2024, which are designed for DDR4 memory.

AMD's similar strategy

AMD is also targeting users of older systems by re-releasing processors compatible with AM4 motherboards. This move aims to provide performance upgrades without requiring users to replace their existing hardware.

Market share of DDR4 and DDR5 processors

According to the Korean price comparison service ConnectWave, 17 percent of desktop PC processors sold in the week of October 25 to November 1 supported DDR4 memory. In contrast, only 8 percent of Core Ultra 200S processors, which exclusively support DDR5, were sold during the same period.

BIOS update for compatibility

Mid-October, Gigabyte released a new firmware update for Z790, B760, and H610 motherboards with an LGA1700 socket. This update expands compatibility with future processors on the LGA1700 platform, offering users more upgrade options without replacing their motherboards.

Intel's long-term platform strategy

Robert Hallock, director of technology marketing and client AI at Intel, emphasized that the 14th generation Core processors (Raptor Lake Refresh), built on the Intel 7 process, will remain central to Intel's product lineup for the next few years. This supports the company's strategy of extending the life of existing platforms.

Raptor Lake Next processors in production

Recent customs records indicate that four Intel processors based on the LGA1700 socket, named "Raptor Lake Next," have been shipped from Vietnam since August. The exact core configuration of these processors has not yet been disclosed, but they are expected to use the Intel 7 process or a similar version with improvements.

Intel 3 and 18A processes for servers

Advanced manufacturing processes like Intel 3 and 18A offer benefits such as improved transistor density and energy efficiency through technologies like extreme ultraviolet (EUV) exposure. However, these processes are currently used for server and data center products like the Xeon 6 and Xeon 6+ processors.

Intel's server processor demand

During its third-quarter results presentation, Intel CEO Lipbu Tan noted that demand for server processors is rising sharply, but the company is unable to fully meet this demand. Retaining the Intel 7 process is seen as more cost-effective and practical given current production constraints.

Benefits for SMEs and desktop upgrades

If Intel launches the "Raptor Lake Next" processor in early 2025, users of 12th generation Core processors from 2021-2022 could upgrade their systems with minimal changes, potentially reducing costs for SMEs and the desktop PC renewal market.

Industry concerns about the strategy

An anonymous motherboard manufacturer executive told ZDNET that Intel's approach increases workload for motherboard manufacturers, particularly regarding firmware updates, without offering clear benefits to the industry as a whole.