ASRock’s Answer to the DRAM Crunch: A Motherboard That Supports Both DDR4 and DDR5

A Hybrid Approach to an Ongoing DRAM Shortage

The recent surge in DRAM pricing has made entry-level and mid-range system builds noticeably more expensive. With many users looking for affordable upgrade paths, motherboard manufacturers are starting to experiment with mixed-memory platforms. ASRock’s new H610M COMBO is one of the latest examples, designed to let users preserve older components while still having access to next-generation memory.

Targeting Intel’s 12th through 14th-gen processors, the H610M COMBO offers two DDR4 DIMM slots alongside four DDR5 DIMM slots. While only one memory type can be used at a time—simultaneous operation is not supported—the board allows builders to choose whichever standard best fits their budget and upgrade plans.

When populated with DDR5, the board supports up to 96 GB of memory at DDR5-4800 speeds. Opting for DDR4 lowers the ceiling to 64 GB, with speeds listed at DDR4-3800.

Connectivity and Features

Built on the micro-ATX form factor, the H610M COMBO offers a surprisingly versatile display output array, including HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI-D, D-Sub, and even eDP. Storage support includes a single PCIe Gen3 x4 M.2 slot for NVMe drives.

On the rear I/O panel, users get support for up to 12 USB devices, with two USB 3.2 Gen2 ports—one of them a Type-C connector—leading the lineup.

A Sensible Bridge for Users Sticking With DDR4

Given the current spike in DDR5 pricing, ASRock’s H610M COMBO may serve as an appealing transitional option for users who want to retain their existing DDR4 kits while keeping the door open for DDR5 in the future. For anyone trying to stretch their budget through this DRAM shortage, a hybrid motherboard like this could be a smart middle-ground upgrade path.