You may like to read this article on memory price increases, and the whys and wherefores thereof.
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Why cannot Framework soruce and sell DDR4 RAM, yes obviously less capable but might be afforbadle too. Most computing may well be optimal with DDR4. Option is helpful.
Because it doesn’t work in DDR5 sockets? They have different connectors and don’t fit.
Also DDR4 is probably going to be even scarcer than DDR5 as it is an older technology with different timings, so manufacturers won’t be interested in dedicating production capacity to making it when production capacity is so tight.
FYI Blog has updated again, so post copy has also been updated.
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The irony of framework pushing so hard on AI uses for their products (especially FW Deskop) with large amounts of memory required… then being unable to maintain prices because of AI demand for DRAM…
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Framework did sell DDR4 RAM when they were still selling systems that use it. Their current product line does not include any models that use DDR4. They occasionally have 11th, 12th, or 13th gen refurbished systems available, but they no longer have RAM for them; you’ll have to source it elsewhere if you buy one.
Framework would be buying memory, especially DDR4, in the spot market, just as you would be. (They’re not big enough to have significant clout with memory manufacturers, and especially would not for DDR4 memory as they wouldn’t be buying much of it.) And then they would have to mark it up to make any money on the transaction. There would be no real benefit for either the company or their customers.
The only processor in their current line that COULD use DDR4 is the Framework 12. But it would require a redesigned mainboard; a big expense to take advantage of what is likely to be a short-lived price advantage.
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Updated the post to match blog.