- Chinese RAM is available on AliExpress and other third-party sellers at slightly cheaper prices
- However, not all options are cheaper than conventional 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 seems relentless for consumers looking to buy PC memory, with prices high across the board for RAM kits from major manufacturers, but fortunately, there is a potential temporary solution.
As PC Gamer reported, an alternative to a traditional 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 attractive due to the rising prices of RAM from major 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 Cusu’s 3200MHz DDR4 RAM (2 x 8GB units) is available on AliExpress for around $120/£80. That’s discounted due to a sale, mind you, so Chinese RAM options aren’t a silver bullet to completely solve pricing issues.
However, they are a viable alternative for those who don’t mind importing, and I’ve noticed third-party sellers like AliExpress offering deep discounts quite frequently.
To put the above price into perspective, a 16GB Corsair Vengeance DDR4 kit features 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 markets will have cheaper prices than kits sold in the West. In fact, I’ve spotted a good number of options that are actually priced equivalent (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’re more likely to find a compelling discount. But you must also remember that there are risks and rewards to be found here.
It’s important to note that while these Chinese RAM kits share similar specifications to what we know, there’s no guarantee they’ll work as well as they should. AliExpress is not the most reliable supplier compared to buying directly from major RAM manufacturers or reputable retailers like Amazon or Best Buy.
Also remember that support will be an issue with a product shipped from Asia, in case something goes wrong with the RAM.
For those reasons, I would suggest proceeding with caution if you’re considering such a purchase, but this is certainly a way to escape the RAM crisis without overpaying.
Of course, it is always possible that the RAM crisis will calm down and general prices will go down. There is even some faint evidence that this might be happening, but whether it will continue is an entirely different matter.
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