ASUS has shown off a pretty interesting DDR5 to DDR4 adapter that will allow you to use older DDR4 modules on any Z690 DDR5 motherboard. A product like this makes sense as DDR5 is currently really expensive and there is not a whole lot of availability as we are still in a global shortage.
The adapter board, which is branded under ASUS’s ROG brand is tall PCB that will slot into DDR5 slots in your Z690 motherboard. On top of it is a DDR4 slot where you’ll install your older DDR4 memory. The adapter board features all of the necessary power circuitry on it. This is one of the reasons DDR4 is not compatible with DDR5 slots as motherboard makers removed most of the power management features from Intel’s 600 series motherboards. Things like the power/voltage chips (PMIC) were moved to the DDR5 modules themselves.
Because of the size of the adapter card you will likely need a CPU cooler that has full memory clearance. The module was shown working with G.SKILL Trident Z Royal DDR4 memory on an ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 APEX motherboard. It is unclear if this will remain a prototype or will be heading to the retail segment.
Via HXL (Twitter)
