Intel may bring back older desktop CPUs because DDR5 is getting too expensive


Intel may be preparing an unusual response to the ongoing memory crunch. According to Chinese outlet ITHome, citing ChannelGate, the company’s latest production plan includes restarting production of 13th-gen and 14th-gen Core processors.

The move is expected to increase supply across Intel’s 10th, 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen CPU families, especially in mainland China. For DIY PC builders, the timing is important. DDR5 memory prices have climbed sharply, making newer platforms harder to justify for anyone trying to build an affordable gaming PC.

DDR4 motherboards are getting a second chance

Tom’s Hardware previously reported that several motherboard companies are betting on DDR4 again because of memory shortages and rising DDR5 prices. At least two motherboard makers reportedly confirmed that they are increasing DDR4 motherboard production through the second half of 2026 and into 2027.

That is an important detail because motherboard makers usually move on quickly once newer CPU platforms arrive. As older boards become harder to find, prices can creep up even when the CPUs themselves are affordable. If DDR4 motherboard production ramps up again, builders could have a much better chance of pairing cheap older Intel chips with reasonably priced boards and memory.

Budget PC builders may be the real winners

The bigger surprise could arrive next year. Tom’s Hardware also reported that Intel is preparing a new DDR4-friendly processor generation called “Raptor Lake Next” for the first half of 2027. It would reportedly continue using the LGA 1700 platform, giving Intel’s older desktop ecosystem one more extension. That said, we currently do not know how much of a performance uplift it will offer compared to the 14th Gen CPUs. AMD has already leaned into a similar idea with the Ryzen 7 5800X3D 10th Anniversary Edition.

These chips are not for people chasing the newest architecture. They are for gamers stuck on DDR4 hardware, builders with spare DDR4 kits, and buyers who do not want to pay inflated prices for memory and motherboards. Older 10th Gen chips could help revive the dirt-cheap PC segment, while 13th- and 14th-generation processors may offer a more realistic entry point for new gamers.



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Recent Reviews


One of the worst things about the explosion of AI tools is how much more advanced scam calls have become. It’s now entirely possible to get fake calls with voices that sound exactly like people you know. The June Android drop is here to address this (and add some other goodies).

Fake Call Detection

When scammers impersonate your contacts

1. Call spoofing diagram Credit: Google

The aforementioned voice duping is only one part of the scamming process. If the call comes from an unknown number, you’re far more likely to ignore it. That’s why scammers can also make their calls appear to be coming from numbers you trust.

Fake Call Detection is a new feature in the Phone by Google app that pops up an alert when a caller is suspected of impersonating your contacts. The alert says, “This may not be [Name]” and gives you the option to immediately hang up.

Google Photos is your new wardrobe

Digitally store and try on clothes

You may not know it, but there’s an entire category of apps dedicated to allowing people to catalog their wardrobes. Now, Google Photos is hoping to get in on it with a new “Wardrobe” collection.

First, you snap photos of your clothes and let Google Photos neatly put them on a white background. From there, everything can be categorized by item. You can then tap “Create” and put outfits together, which you can digitally try on. It’s a pretty cool feature that many apps charge a fee for.


Personal safety features expand to kids

13 and under

Google is making the Personal Safety app for Pixel phones available to kids under 13. Features include the ability to display medical information, setting emergency contacts on the lock screen, and car crash detection. In addition, kids over 13 can now use Safety Check and real-time sharing with emergency contacts.

“Catch me up” in Google Play Books

Recaps of what you’ve read

Remember Google Play Books? The company’s often overlooked eBook platform is getting a new feature to help you catch up when you haven’t read a book in a while. It works pretty much how you’d expect—AI summarizes what’s happened up until your current position in the book. It’s also possible to highlight text and ask questions about what you’re reading. These features are part of the new “Book Insights” button.

Quick Share 🤝 AirDrop

Now works with more devices

Last year, Google announced that the Pixel 10 series could share content with Apple’s AirDrop through Quick Share. Since then, it has very slowly expanded the functionality to more phones. Now, once again, the company is announcing even more devices.

The previous list was the Pixel 10 series, Galaxy S26 series, Oppo Find X9 series, Find N6, and Vivo X300 Ultra. New entries include the Galaxy S25 series, S24 series, Z Flip 7, Z Fold 7, Z Flip 6, Z Fold 6, Z TriFold, OPPO Find X8 series, OnePlus 15, HONOR Magic V6, and Magic8 Pro.

Keep your eyes peeled for these features to be rolling out to Android devices and the accompanying apps over the next few days and weeks.

Source: Google



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