Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- PCWorld reports that prebuilt PC manufacturers are now offering systems without RAM, allowing customers to install their own memory to combat rising RAM costs.
- This “BYO RAM” trend, pioneered by Maingear and adopted by vendors like Paradox Customs, offers potential savings but raises warranty and installation concerns.
- While RAM installation is straightforward, optimal performance tuning remains complex, potentially negating the convenience benefits that make prebuilt PCs attractive.
As the RAM crunch continues to cause PC builders headaches, some prebuild vendors are offering prebuilt systems without the RAM included.
It started with Maingear’s “BYO RAM” program, and now Paradox Customs is another one. It’s not a mandatory requirement for purchase with Paradox; you can still buy a prebuilt PC with RAM installed. The new RAM-less prebuilt gives you the option to pay less for your system.
The price of RAM has been rising exponentially over the past few months with no end in sight for the crisis. Various system builders have stopped selling RAM to customers as standalone sticks, while others have announced price rises to tackle the increasing costs.
Paradox Custom’s move will help it offer better prices to its customer base, but it leaves you to source your own components. There’s no guarantee you’ll be able to secure RAM after purchasing their system and it may raise problems with their warranties.
The new option leaves unanswered questions about repairs too. What for instance would the policy be in the case that you try to install RAM yourself and damage something?
Pexels: Andrey Matveev
What happens if the system crashes a year down the line and Paradox finds a memory stability issue? Is the warranty still valid? Will Paradox fix the problem if the issue rises from the customers’ choice of memory or installation?
The whole point of buying a prebuilt system is to have the cogs turning right out of the box, with set and expected performance and all the drivers installed.
While installing RAM is straightforward and only takes a few minutes, tuning it can be considerably trickier. Getting all the system settings right isn’t always as easy and can cause system crashes and reboots if the settings need tweaking.
Then again if you’re an old hand at setting up RAM in a new system this new option from Paradox Customs will be most welcome and help you save some cash.
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Based in Australia, Dominic Bayley is a hardcore tech enthusiast. His PCWorld focus is on PC gaming hardware: laptops, mice, headsets and keyboards.