AMD’s new pitch: our old tech is so good you should just keep using it

AMD promises AM5 socket support through 2029, encouraging users to keep their existing motherboards for future CPU upgrades.

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The Big Picture

At Computex 2026, AMD announced it will support its AM5 desktop motherboard socket with new Ryzen processors through 2029, allowing users to upgrade CPUs without changing motherboards until at least the end of the decade. The company is also relaunching three older components, positioning them as cost-effective options amid industry-wide RAM shortages. This strategy contrasts with competitors' push for new sockets, offering stability for PC gamers. The promise extends to AM4 users, though details are limited. The move aims to reduce upgrade costs and e-waste while navigating current market challenges.

Why It Matters

AMD's commitment to long-term socket support reduces e-waste and upgrade costs for PC gamers, challenging the industry's trend of frequent motherboard changes. This strategy builds customer loyalty and could pressure competitors like Intel to extend platform longevity, shifting the desktop PC market toward more sustainable and cost-effective upgrades.

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AMD CEO Lisa Su holds a Ryzen chip. | Image: AMD

Computex 2026 is underway in Taiwan, and we're expecting all manner of flashy computers with jaw-dropping pricetags (or no pricetags at all) as the entire industry navigates RAMageddon.

But for desktop PC gamers, AMD has a different pitch. It's relaunching three old components alongside a big new promise: you won't need to buy a new motherboard until 2030.

Today, AMD is promising it will keep supporting its AM5 desktop motherboard socket with new Ryzen processors through 2029, which likely means you can keep upgrading to newer CPUs till the end of the decade without changing your board.

Even if you're still on the older AM4 socket, you …

Read the full story at The Verge.

Hardware AMD PC Gaming Processors

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