Key Takeaways
1. The DRAM supply crisis has increased DDR5 memory prices, driving consumers to prefer more affordable DDR4 options.
2. Demand for AMD Ryzen 7 5700X CPUs has surged, leading to a price increase from below €140 to nearly €180 in Europe and around $220 in the US.
3. The Ryzen 7 5800XT has also seen significant price hikes, now priced at $219, up from a low of $125.
4. AMD may benefit from re-releasing discontinued AM4 CPUs, like the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, to cater to budget-conscious gamers.
5. Intel continues to offer competitive 13th and 14th-generation CPUs compatible with DDR4 RAM, such as the Core i5-14600KF, which outperform the Ryzen 7 5700X.
The DRAM supply crisis has caused the price of DDR5 memory to soar. Currently, a 16 GB DDR5 kit averages over $100, leading many consumers to explore CPUs that work with the older DDR4 memory, which is much more affordable. This shift in focus has driven up demand for AMD Zen 3 CPUs, such as the Ryzen 7 5700X, resulting in significant price increases.
Rising Prices for Ryzen 7 5700X
As reported by TechEpiphany, the price of the Ryzen 7 5700X has been consistently climbing in recent months. In October, it was seen at below €140 in Europe, but it is now nearing €180. In the US, on Amazon, the 8-core Ryzen 7 5700X is listed for about $220. Data from Camelcamelcamel indicates that the Ryzen 7 5700X had its lowest price ever at $128 back in May 2025. Thus, the current price reflects a 72% rise from that record-low.
Similar Trends for Ryzen 7 5800XT
A similar trend has been observed with the 8-core Ryzen 7 5800XT, which is now available for $219 on Amazon. This CPU reached its lowest price of $125 in May 2025, which means its current price is more than 75% higher.
AMD Should Consider Re-releasing AM4 CPUs
The growing interest in budget-friendly desktop CPUs that support DDR4 memory should encourage AMD to consider bringing back some of the discontinued AM4 CPUs. Chips like the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, which remain quite powerful for gaming, could be beneficial additions to a market that has become less accessible for budget-conscious gamers.
Fortunately, Intel still offers 13th and 14th-generation desktop CPUs compatible with DDR4 RAM. If you’re assembling a new gaming PC, Intel’s 13th and 14th-gen Core i5 and i7 models are solid choices. For example, the Intel Core i5-14600KF, with a current price tag of $228 on Amazon, outperforms the Ryzen 7 5700X in both single-core and multi-core tasks.
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