PC Builds Go Potluck: BYO RAM to Save Cash!

The burgeoning AI sector has depleted the global supply of affordable RAM, leading to significant price increases for PC components. As of 2026, a new trend will emerge where pre-configured PCs will ship without any RAM, shifting the responsibility to customers to procure their own memory modules. This move aims to mitigate the impact of soaring component costs on consumers.

Custom PC builder Maingear has introduced a "Bring Your Own RAM" program, allowing customers to supply their existing memory or purchase it separately. While this offers potential cost savings, it necessitates that buyers navigate the challenging market for compatible and affordable RAM. The company will test customer-supplied memory at its New Jersey headquarters.

Industry experts anticipate this RAM shortage and its ripple effects, including the "BYO RAM" model, will persist through 2026, with prices potentially normalizing only in 2027 or 2028. This situation challenges the traditional prebuilt PC market, which relies on predictable component pricing and integrated customer service. Smaller tech companies are rethinking their business models in response to these market shifts.