AMD AM5 motherboards for Ryzen 7000 CPUs may drop DDR4 support

We're still months away from AMD's AM5 platform launch and the release of Ryzen 7000 series processors, but leaks and rumours are giving us an early idea of what to expect. According to industry sources, AMD's AM5 platform launch will include the X670 and B650 motherboards at first, and apparently neither will support DDR4 memory. 

According to motherboard manufacturer sources speaking with Tom's Hardware, Ryzen 7000 chips and X670 and B650 AM5 motherboards will be DDR5-only at launch, as the industry continues to push adoption of the new memory standard. This is in stark contrast to Intel's Alder Lake launch, during which many motherboard vendors also offered DDR4 motherboard options alongside DDR5.

This will make upgrading to AMD's new platform more expensive than previous generations, as currently DDR5 memory prices are inflated, in part due to supply chain struggles, and in part due to the fact that it is brand new technology, so the early adopters tax is still in place. Those looking to stick to DDR4 may have to wait for A620 series motherboards before upgrading.

Interestingly, Intel may also be making moves to boost the adoption of DDR5 memory and has reportedly been in talks with motherboard makers about boosting DDR5 options and beginning to phase out DDR4 motherboards with its upcoming Raptor Lake CPUs.

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KitGuru Says: Should motherboard makers start to drop DDR4 memory support for new boards? Or do you think the older memory standard should remain well supported for the time being? 

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