Gigabyte announced that Intel plans to release new processors for the LGA1700 socket in early 2027. To prepare for this, the company has updated the BIOS across its entire B760 and H610 motherboard lineups. This move allows users to upgrade their CPUs without replacing existing motherboards or memory modules.
The decision stems from the rising cost of DDR5 memory, which has become the most expensive component in modern PCs due to the AI boom. LGA1700 motherboards support both DDR4 and DDR5, providing a cost-effective alternative for consumers. Meanwhile, prices for older standards like DDR2 have surged by 55–60% in a single quarter.
Intel executive Robert Hallock noted that the industry is splitting product lines into mass-market and enthusiast segments to manage price pressure. The strategy aims to address declining desktop shipments in Europe, which are expected to drop by 20% this quarter and nearly 30% in the fourth quarter, according to Context.
Market analysts at TrendForce project that contract prices for standard DRAM will increase by 13–18% this quarter. This follows a 59.5% revenue surge in the memory industry during the second quarter. British retailer Currys previously warned that these rising costs would impact consumer prices by the end of the year.
