Gadgets

Paradox Sells Prebuilt PCs Without RAM — Here's Why

Prebuilt PCs Sold Without RAM as Prices Soar
Prebuilts Without RAM

Key Takeaways:

  • Paradox Customs is offering prebuilt PCs shipped without RAM, letting customers install their own memory sticks.
  • The move responds to sharply higher DRAM prices driven by global supply and demand dynamics.
  • System integrators and buyers are adapting with modular options; check compatibility (DDR4 vs DDR5) before buying.
  • If you already own spare RAM, this can cut upfront costs, but it shifts responsibility for installation and warranty checks to the buyer.

What Paradox Customs is offering

Paradox Customs — a small system integrator — has begun listing fully assembled PCs that omit RAM from the build. VideoCardz first reported the listings, which were also noted by The Verge.

The tactic is straightforward: customers pay for a completed system minus memory, then install their own DIMMs. The seller positions this as a money-saving option for buyers who already have compatible sticks on hand.

Why RAM prices are soaring

Global DRAM and NAND markets have been volatile, with price spikes affecting desktop and laptop memory. Multiple industry reports point to constrained supply, increased demand from data centers, and manufacturing shifts as contributing factors.

For everyday PC buyers, that volatility translates to higher costs for DDR4 and DDR5 modules. System builders are feeling the squeeze on margins and are experimenting with ways to keep prices attractive.

What this means for buyers

If you own compatible RAM, a no-RAM prebuilt can be a practical way to save money. But there are trade-offs: buyers must install memory themselves, ensure correct DDR generation and speed, and verify dual-channel configuration for best performance.

Warranty and support can become murkier. Some integrators will still warranty the system, but they may limit coverage if damage is caused during third-party component installation. Ask the seller about support policies before purchasing.

How to decide: should you buy one?

Consider these quick checks: confirm whether the motherboard supports DDR4 or DDR5, review the maximum supported capacity and speeds, and make sure your existing sticks match the platform’s requirements.

If you don’t already own RAM, compare the total cost (prebuilt base price plus replacement memory) to a standard prebuilt or custom build that includes RAM. Sometimes the apparent savings vanish once you factor in new modules.

Broader market signal

The emergence of no-RAM prebuilds is a small but telling sign of market stress: integrators adapting product offerings to rising component prices. As The Verge put it, it’s “an alarming sign of what the PC market has come to,” highlighting how volatile memory pricing is reshaping buying options.

For now, buyers with spare DIMMs can benefit. Others should shop carefully and confirm compatibility and warranty details before committing.

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