Every builder and system integrator is trying to figure out how to deal with the inflated cost of RAM. In a call with media today, Maingear CEO Wallace Santos announced BYO RAM Builds, which have customers supply the RAM for Maingear to validate into an otherwise prebuilt system.
If you pick a BYO RAM configuration, you will have to either provide a supported RAM kit that you already own for Maingear to include while it builds your PC, or order a new kit to the company for them to install. Maingear says that the upside here is that you can look for deals, attempt to time the market, or simply install RAM that you already have lying around. Maingear, in turn, offers a way to order a PC without raising prices on RAM on its own, while still validating its builds.
Santos said that his costs for a 32GB kit of RAM are up 394%, and up 344% for 64GB. He said that in over 20 years in business, he's never seen a situation like this, citing Covid, fires and floods in Taiwan, and SSD shortages. There was always, he said, a visible end to a situation.
