“Absurd” Prices: Why One Gamer Took a Huge Risk to Save 50% on RAM
If you have tried to build or upgrade a PC recently, you likely hit a massive wall: the price of memory. The current component crisis has pushed DDR5 prices to absurd levels. Some high-end kits now cost as much as a graphics card.
However, a recent story from the PC building community suggests a workaround. A gamer managed to secure premium RAM for half the local price, but the method involves a significant risk.
The AliExpress Gamble
In Europe, a decent 32GB DDR5 kit can currently run upwards of €500 depending on the speed and latency. Refusing to pay these inflated scalper-like prices, German user -_Shinobi_- on Reddit decided to look East. Specifically, they turned to AliExpress.
The user ordered a Lexar Thor 32GB DDR5 kit directly from China. The base price was around €247. Even after factoring in an additional €54 for customs fees, the total cost remained drastically lower than the €500+ price tag seen at local German retailers.
Someone imported DDR5 RAM from China to Germany, and even after hefty customs fees, it still ended up about 50% cheaper than in-store prices.
— Wccftech (@wccftech) February 10, 2026
According to the customer, it’s “the nicest and highest-quality RAM they’ve ever held.” pic.twitter.com/3YeLFlDMcx
Did It Actually Work?
Ordering sensitive electronics from marketplaces like AliExpress is often considered a “roll of the dice.” You risk receiving fake components, rebranded generic sticks, or a box filled with rocks.
Surprisingly, this story has a happy ending. The package arrived rapidly—ordered on February 1, 2026, and reported installed by February 9.
The user reported that the build quality was exceptional. More importantly, the technical performance was flawless. The kit hit its advertised speeds of 6000 MT/s with C36 timings immediately. The AMD EXPO profile enabled without a hitch, proving these were genuine modules.
The Catch: Why You Should Be Careful
Before you rush to import your next upgrade, you need to understand the volatility of this method. Shortly after the user posted their success story, they revisited the store listing. The price had already jumped to match the European market, exceeding €500.
Furthermore, importing hardware eliminates your consumer protections.
If the RAM arrives dead (DOA), the return process to China is often expensive and unreliable. You also lose the local warranty support that justifies the higher prices at domestic retailers. This user got lucky, but this route remains a gamble.
In Conclusion: Results of a Broken Market
This incident highlights just how broken the current memory market is. When users are forced to import components across the globe to avoid price gouging, the supply chain is clearly in trouble.
While this specific builder saved nearly 50%, we advise caution. Unless you are comfortable losing your investment or dealing with customs headaches, sticking to local retailers provides safety that AliExpress cannot match.
However, it proves one thing: the hardware exists, and the “shortage” pricing might vary wildly depending on where you look.
A video game enthusiast ever since I first got my hands on a Game Boy. Over the years, I've played many different games across various genres, discovering hidden gems and niche titles along the way. I'm also passionate about technology, always up-to-date with the latest news and insight in the PC and Console market. Ready to share and bring you the latest news !
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