Your upcoming prebuilt PC may be delivered with memory issues.

      Paradox Customs introduces a ‘no RAM’ option as memory shortages affect PC builders

      Paradox Customs has launched a bold feature in its prebuilt PC configurator: the option to purchase a system without any RAM installed. The boutique PC builder states that this decision is a direct response to the significant memory shortages and soaring DRAM prices currently impacting the industry. These factors have made it increasingly difficult for system builders to maintain consistent stock and pricing. For customers who already own a compatible set of RAM or wish to find a bargain somewhere else, this option allows them to avoid the “RAM tax” that has been inflating prebuilt prices.

      A practical solution to a turbulent market

      This choice underscores the disarray that has characterized the hardware market in late 2025. RAM, once considered the most mundane component of a PC build—affordable, readily available, and usually reliable—has seen consumer DDR5 prices nearly triple in the past year, largely due to AI data centers consuming a large portion of high-bandwidth memory.

      With the “bring your own memory” option, Paradox Customs is effectively bypassing the difficulties associated with the supply chain. This allows them to continue delivering systems without having to raise their baseline prices every time a new batch of pricey memory arrives. For consumers, this presents the opportunity to save hundreds of dollars if they already possess a compatible memory kit.

      The challenges of a “RAM-less” prebuilt

      Nevertheless, this shift does carry its challenges. Unlike simply adding a secondary hard drive, installing RAM is intricately linked to a computer's functionality. Compatibility among memory modules can be particularly troublesome, especially with newer AMD and Intel platforms. A user who purchases a system without RAM and connects a kit that is incompatible with the motherboard may encounter issues like a black screen or frequent blue-screen crashes.

      This introduces a complicated “gray area” regarding support. If the PC fails to boot, is it due to an error on the builder’s part or an issue with the user’s memory? Paradox has indicated that they will assist with other hardware components, but customers are ultimately responsible for ensuring the RAM they provide is compatible. For less experienced users, what was intended to be a simple “turnkey” prebuilt may quickly transform into a challenging DIY troubleshooting experience.

      Implications for the future of PCs

      At present, Paradox Customs’ initiative appears more as a smart survival strategy than a fundamental shift in how PCs are sold. However, it raises concerns about the industry's trajectory. If supply shortages persist into 2026, more builders may begin transferring the burden of expensive or scarce components onto customers.

      For those well-versed in PCs, this represents an excellent opportunity to reduce costs and repurpose existing parts. However, for the average user seeking a ready-to-use computer, it serves as a clear indication that the era of affordable, plentiful PC components is temporarily over. For those planning a build soon, the best recommendation is to verify their motherboard’s compatibility list before attempting to economize by using their own memory sticks.