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AMD Signals AM4 Comeback to Ease Costly DDR5 Upgrades

Prompted by a DDR5 price surge, AMD is exploring increased supply of older processors to let users upgrade without switching platforms.

Overview

  • At CES, Ryzen chief David McAfee said AMD is actively working to reintroduce Zen 3–era AM4 chips and bolster the supporting ecosystem.
  • AMD has not provided a product list, quantities, or timing for the renewed AM4 supply, leaving specific availability unclear.
  • Retail data show AM4 CPUs climbing best-seller charts in North America and Europe as partners report more CPU‑only upgrades and motherboard sales slumped about 50% late in 2025 versus a year earlier.
  • DDR5 kits that were under $100 in mid‑2025 now reach roughly $440, while 32GB DDR4 sits near $179 but has also become pricier.
  • Key AM4 X3D models were discontinued and remaining X3D stock is scarce, and separate reports suggest other vendors may revive older products, with such moves still unconfirmed.