AM4 Is Back Thanks To Rising DDR5 Prices
The PC hardware world moves fast, but sometimes older platforms find a second life. That is exactly what is happening with AMD’s AM4 socket. As DDR5 memory prices continue to climb, many gamers and PC builders are heading back to AM4 systems that use the more affordable DDR4 standard.
Instead of stretching their budgets for the latest DDR5 compatible platforms, users are discovering that AM4 still offers solid gaming performance, great CPU options, and a large ecosystem of motherboards and components. This makes AM4 a very attractive choice for anyone building a new gaming PC or upgrading an older rig without breaking the bank.
Spotting this trend, Gigabyte has stepped in with fresh AM4 motherboard options, focusing on compact form factors that are perfect for small but powerful gaming builds.
Gigabyte Launches New AM4 Mini ITX And Micro ATX Boards
Gigabyte is taking advantage of the renewed interest in AM4 by launching four new motherboard variants. These boards are built around the AM4 socket and support DDR4 memory, giving users access to cheaper RAM while still enjoying strong CPU performance with Ryzen processors.
The new lineup focuses on two popular compact layouts:
- Mini ITX Tiny boards ideal for very small form factor builds like sleek living room gaming PCs or portable LAN party systems.
- Micro ATX A bit larger than Mini ITX but still compact, offering more expansion slots and features while keeping the overall system size smaller than full ATX builds.
By targeting Mini ITX and Micro ATX, Gigabyte is clearly aiming at gamers and enthusiasts who want:
- Compact systems that are easy to place on a desk or under a TV.
- Good airflow and cable management in smaller cases.
- Lower total build costs thanks to DDR4 memory and mature AM4 CPU pricing.
Even though these are not the latest AM5 or Intel DDR5 platforms, AM4 paired with a solid motherboard can still deliver excellent frame rates in modern games, especially when combined with a strong GPU.
Why AM4 And DDR4 Still Make Sense For Gamers
For many gamers, raw value matters more than having the absolute newest chipset on the market. That is where AM4 and DDR4 really shine right now.
Here is why AM4 is seeing a comeback:
- Cheaper memory DDR4 kits are significantly more affordable than DDR5, especially if you want higher capacities like 32 GB.
- Mature platform AM4 has been around for years which means stable BIOS support, wide compatibility, and lots of community guides and tuning tips.
- Strong CPU options Processors like Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 7 chips on AM4 still offer more than enough performance for 1080p and 1440p gaming.
- Great for budget and mid range builds If your main focus is gaming rather than heavy production workloads, an AM4 system can hit that sweet spot of price and performance.
At the same time, compact motherboards in Mini ITX and Micro ATX formats unlock fun build possibilities. You can create a powerful small form factor gaming PC that fits in a tiny case, looks clean on a desk, and can even be moved around easily.
Gigabyte’s decision to release four new AM4 boards shows that hardware manufacturers still see strong demand in this space. For anyone planning a new build, it is a reminder that you do not always need the latest generation parts to get a responsive and enjoyable gaming experience.
If you are trying to choose between AM4 with DDR4 and a newer DDR5 platform, it often comes down to budget and priorities. If you would rather put more money into a better graphics card, faster SSD, or nicer monitor, pairing an AM4 motherboard with DDR4 memory can free up your budget while still delivering smooth gameplay.
In short, AM4 is far from dead. With DDR5 prices rising and companies like Gigabyte refreshing the platform with new compact motherboards, it remains a smart and gamer friendly option for many PC builders today.
Original article and image: https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/gigabyte-unleashes-new-ddr4-am4-motherboards-as-ram-shortage-continues-to-slam-pc-builders-sky-high-ddr5-prices-spark-rush-for-affordable-alternatives
