- Chinese RAM is available on AliExpress and other third-party sellers at slightly cheaper prices
- However, not all options are cheaper than traditional RAM kits in the West.
- This is not a solution to the RAM crisis, but it is an alternative that some may want to explore.
The RAM crisis seems relentless for consumers looking to buy PC memory, with prices high across the board for RAM kits from major manufacturers – but luckily there is a possible temporary solution.
As PC Gamer reports, an alternative to a traditional consumer brand (like Corsair or Kingston, for example) in some regions is to purchase Chinese RAM from AliExpress, Temu, or other third-party online sellers.
Essentially, you’re importing a RAM kit designed for the Chinese market, and this idea has suddenly become much more attractive due to the skyrocketing prices of RAM sticks from major US and European brands.
The good news is that RAM kits like Cusu and Dudga (which you’ve probably never heard of) are available to ship to other regions at slightly lower prices than the mainstream offerings mentioned.
For example, 16GB of Cusu’s DDR4 3200MHz RAM (2 x 8GB sticks) is available on AliExpress for around $120/£80. Be careful, this is discounted due to a sale, and so the Chinese RAM options are not a silver bullet to completely solve the pricing issues.
However, they are a viable alternative for those who don’t mind importing, and I’ve noticed that third-party sellers like AliExpress offer deep discounts quite often.
To put the price above into perspective, a Corsair Vengeance 16GB DDR4 kit has similar specs but costs $159/£158.
This is not a solution to the RAM crisis
To be clear, not all Chinese RAM modules on AliExpress or similar Asian markets will have cheaper prices than kits sold in the West. Indeed, I’ve spotted quite a few options that are actually priced on par (or more) than what’s available with existing mainstream options like Corsair RAM.
That said, if you’re looking for a good deal in Asia, you have a better chance of finding a great discount. But you also need to remember that there are risks here as well as rewards.
It’s important to note that even though these Chinese RAM kits share similar specifications to what we know, there is no guarantee that they will perform as well as they should. AliExpress is not the most reliable supplier compared to purchasing directly from major RAM manufacturers or reputable retailers like Amazon or Best Buy.
Also keep in mind that support will be an issue with a product shipped from Asia, if there is a problem with the RAM.
For these reasons, I suggest proceeding with caution if you’re considering a purchase along these lines, but it’s undeniably a way to escape the RAM crisis without overpaying.
Be careful, it is still possible that the RAM crisis will subside and traditional prices will fall. There is even some tenuous evidence that this might happen, but whether it will continue is another matter entirely.
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