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RAM Thieves Strike: High Prices Fuel New Crime Wave
1 Dec
Summary
- A 32GB DDR5 memory module was marked delivered but stolen.
- Soaring memory prices are driven by AI hardware demand.
- Thieves are targeting small, valuable RAM sticks due to rising costs.
The escalating cost of computer memory has apparently made RAM a prime target for thieves, with a recent incident involving a stolen 32GB DDR5 module illustrating the emerging problem. The memory was purchased online and marked as delivered to a location significantly distant from the buyer's address. A signature on the delivery was illegible, leading to the consensus that the package was stolen during transit between shipping partners.
The surge in RAM prices, with 32GB DDR5 kits now costing upwards of $300 compared to around $100 at the start of 2025, is primarily attributed to the immense hardware demands of artificial intelligence companies. Manufacturers have shifted production towards specialized memory types favored by AI developers, further impacting the availability and cost of standard RAM. This market dynamic creates a lucrative opportunity for theft.
This trend of memory theft is particularly concerning as RAM sticks are small and easily concealed, making them easier to steal than larger components like graphics cards. Consumers ordering high-value, small-form-factor items are urged to request discreet packaging and consider filming the unboxing process as a protective measure against such incidents.
