- Chinese RAM is available on AliExpress and other third-party sellers at slightly cheaper prices
- However, not all options are cheaper than standard RAM kits in the west
- This is not a solution to the RAM crisis, but it is an alternative that some people may want to explore
The RAM crisis is feeling relentless for consumers looking to buy PC memory, with high prices across the board for RAM kits from mainstream manufacturers – but thankfully there is something of a possible temporary solution.
As reported by PC Gamer, an alternative to a traditional mainstream brand (like Corsair or Kingston, for example) in some regions is to buy Chinese RAM from AliExpress, Temu or other third-party online sellers.
Basically, you’re importing a RAM kit made for the Chinese market, and that idea has suddenly become much more appealing due to the sky-high prices of RAM sticks from mainstream American 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 compared to the mainstream offerings mentioned.
For example, 16GB of Cusus 3200MHz DDR4 RAM (2 x 8GB sticks) is available on AliExpress for around $120 / £80. It’s discounted due to a sale, mind you, and so Chinese RAM options aren’t a silver bullet to completely solve price issues.
However, they are a viable alternative for those who don’t mind importing, and I’ve noticed that third-party sellers like AliExpress have deep discounts quite often.
To put the above price 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 make one thing clear, not all Chinese RAM modules on AliExpress or similar Asian marketplaces will have cheaper prices than kits sold in the West. In fact, I’ve seen a large number of options that are actually priced similarly (or even more) to what’s available with existing mainstream options like Corsair RAM.
That said, if you’re looking for a bargain in Asia, you have a better chance of finding a compelling discount. But you must also remember that there is risk as well as reward to be found here.
It’s important to note that while these Chinese RAM kits share similar specs to the ones we know, there’s no guarantee they’ll perform as well as they should. AliExpress is not the most reliable supplier compared to buying directly from mainstream RAM manufacturers or reputable retailers like Amazon or Best Buy.
Additionally, keep in mind that support will be an issue with a product shipped from Asia should something go wrong with the RAM.
For these reasons, I’d suggest proceeding with caution if you’re considering a purchase along these lines, but this is undeniably a way to escape the RAM crisis without overpaying.
Remember, it’s always possible that the RAM crisis could settle down and regular prices could drop lower. There is even some weak evidence that this could happen, but whether it will continue is another matter entirely.
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