UPDATE: Paradox Customs has just announced a groundbreaking option for prebuilt PC buyers: the ability to order systems without any RAM installed. This move, confirmed earlier today, is a direct response to the ongoing memory shortage and skyrocketing DRAM prices that have plagued the industry, making it increasingly difficult for builders to maintain stock at affordable prices.
This revolutionary option allows customers to avoid the so-called “RAM tax,” which has surged prices for prebuilt systems. With consumer DDR5 memory prices nearly tripling over the last year due to soaring demand from AI data centers, Paradox Customs is taking a pragmatic approach to a chaotic hardware market. By enabling buyers to “bring their own memory,” the company aims to keep their systems affordable while avoiding constant price hikes tied to fluctuating memory costs.
However, this shift raises important questions for consumers. While the option offers potential savings—hundreds of dollars for those with spare RAM—installing memory isn’t as straightforward as adding a hard drive. Compatibility issues can arise, particularly with newer AMD and Intel platforms, leading to frustrating black screens or frequent crashes if the wrong memory is used.
Paradox Customs has made it clear: while they will support the hardware, the onus of ensuring RAM compatibility falls squarely on the customer. This could turn what should be a convenient purchase into a complex troubleshooting project for less experienced users.
The implications of this decision are significant. If memory shortages persist into 2026, more builders may adopt similar practices, offloading expensive components onto buyers. This could ultimately redefine the prebuilt PC landscape. While the move may benefit tech-savvy enthusiasts looking to save money, it could deter average consumers who simply want a reliable, out-of-the-box computing experience.
As the hardware market continues to grapple with supply chain issues, Paradox Customs’ innovative approach serves as both a potential solution and a warning. The “golden age” of affordable PC parts may be on temporary hiatus, and consumers must be more vigilant than ever.
If you’re planning a PC build soon, it’s crucial to verify your motherboard’s compatibility with any RAM you plan to use. This important step could save you from a costly and frustrating experience as the industry adapts to these challenging conditions.
