UPDATE: Paradox Customs has just announced a groundbreaking option for prebuilt PCs: customers can now order systems without any RAM installed. This urgent move comes in response to the ongoing memory crisis and skyrocketing DDR5 prices, which have nearly tripled over the past year.
With RAM becoming increasingly scarce due to high demand from AI data centers, Paradox Customs aims to alleviate the financial burden on consumers facing what many are calling the “RAM tax.” This innovative approach allows buyers to utilize their own RAM kits, potentially saving them hundreds of dollars.
The decision underscores the chaotic state of the hardware market as we approach the end of 2025. Once a mundane component of PC builds, RAM has now become a critical issue for both manufacturers and consumers. By offering a “bring your own memory” option, Paradox Customs is sidestepping supply chain headaches and enabling them to ship systems without the constant need to raise prices with every new shipment of costly memory.
However, this shift comes with its own set of challenges. Installing RAM is more complex than adding other components, and compatibility issues can lead to significant problems. Users may encounter black screens or persistent blue-screen crashes if the RAM they install is not compatible with the motherboard. Paradox Customs has clarified that while they will support the overall hardware, ensuring RAM compatibility falls on the customer.
For less experienced users, what should be a seamless experience could quickly devolve into a frustrating troubleshooting ordeal. This development raises concerns about the future of PC building. If the current shortages extend into 2026, we may see more builders shifting the responsibility for critical components onto consumers.
This new option is especially appealing for tech enthusiasts looking to cut costs and reuse existing parts. However, it serves as a stark reminder that the golden age of affordable, readily available PC components may be coming to an end.
As this situation develops, potential buyers should carefully check their motherboard’s compatibility list before attempting to save money by bringing their own RAM. Paradox Customs’ innovative response could change the landscape of prebuilt PCs, but it also highlights the pressing need for solutions in a market that has become increasingly volatile.
Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving story, as more companies may soon follow in Paradox Customs’ footsteps in response to the ongoing memory crisis.
