[flotus1]

It's quad channel really considered bottom of the barrel now?

Pretty much, yes. Not necessarily because these CPUs are trash. But because you get much better value from current-gen desktop CPUs with DDR5.
This likely won't change in the future, if Intel or AMD decide to release new HEDT CPUs. They will aim for high core count, not good value with moderate core count.

For a DIY system on a limited budget, it's either a modern desktop CPU with fast DDR5 memory. Or used server stuff like Epyc Rome if you need more performance. I don't really see any platforms between these two extremes.