How I am beating the RAM scarcity: 5 suggestions and workarounds
Abstract created by Good Solutions AI
In abstract:
- PCWorld addresses the continuing RAM scarcity disaster by offering sensible methods to optimize reminiscence utilization and discover cost-effective improve options.
- Key options embrace utilizing DDR4 reminiscence which prices considerably lower than DDR5, exploring no-name manufacturers, and repurposing outdated workplace PCs with beneficial current reminiscence.
- Software program optimizations like closing browser processes, enabling XMP/EXPO in BIOS, and accepting mismatched RAM configurations can enhance efficiency with out costly {hardware} purchases.
The RAM scarcity continues to be uncontrolled. You may’t construct an honest PC anymore with out spending exorbitant quantities of money, all as a result of reminiscence and storage prices are by means of the roof. Graphics playing cards are additionally in brief provide. It’s loopy on the market! What are you to do?
Properly, you might have choices. Possibly you received’t be capable to pay money for the newest DDR5 sticks, and possibly you’ll need to make peace with graphics playing cards now being completely for the mega-rich, and possibly it’s going to be a very long time earlier than the scarcity ends. However you do have choices.
Right here’s what I’m doing to get across the reminiscence disaster and discover some first rate upgrades with out draining my financial institution accounts.
Purchase bizarre RAM
You realize what most individuals purchase once they’re upgrading reminiscence? The quickest 16GB or 32GB equipment they will discover and afford. However what’s a good way to discover a higher deal? Purchase the rest!
Try 24GB and 48GB kits. Or DDR5 5200 MT/s reminiscence. Purchase the reminiscence with out RGB, or one with an unpleasant heatspreader. Purchase the reminiscence from no-name manufacturers—it may not be as quick or as long-lasting, however all of them use the identical NAND flash inside.
Hell, you may even use SO-DIMM laptop computer RAM for those who get a SO-DIMM to DIMM converter. Laptop computer reminiscence costs have gone up, too, and the efficiency received’t be the identical… nevertheless it’s one other means you would possibly be capable to snag an improve whereas paying much less total.
Think about older RAM
Whereas DDR5 reminiscence is the gold commonplace for contemporary gaming and work machines, DDR4 reminiscence can nonetheless be lots quick, too—and it stays extra related than you would possibly suppose.
Probably the most trendy methods that also assist DDR4 reminiscence embrace AMD’s Ryzen 5000 (which incorporates the superb 5800X3D for a prime gaming chip), and Intel has some 600-series motherboards that even assist as much as Thirteenth-gen CPUs just like the Core i9-13900K.
Newegg
As of this writing, DDR4 reminiscence is about $100 cheaper per equipment than DDR5. Extra concretely, you may seize a 16GB equipment of twin sticks for round $110 or a 32GB equipment for round $230.
For those who’re trying to construct one thing solely new, you can even go for a good older DDR3-based PC. That may actually begin to hamstring your efficiency, and it received’t even be suitable with Home windows 11. Nonetheless, you may run an old-excellent CPU just like the Intel Core i7-4790K on DDR3. It’s removed from cutting-edge, nevertheless it’s sufficient for a homework machine or for enjoying older video games (paired with a fairly trendy GPU).
Don’t overlook 4x RAM sticks
Typical knowledge when constructing, shopping for, or upgrading your PC is to make use of 2x RAM sticks. Why? As a result of whereas high-end desktops can profit from quad-channel reminiscence, most shopper PCs truly see drops in efficiency when putting further demand on the reminiscence controller (which offsets the advantages gained from added capability).
However in 2026, reminiscence beggars can’t be choosers. For those who’re sitting on 2x8GB of DDR5 and need you had 2x16GB, think about choosing 4x8GB as a substitute. No, it’s not ideally suited… however when it’s a selection between spending $200 on an additional 2x8GB equipment of twin stick DDR5 or changing the entire thing for $300+, the reply appears apparent. Might you resell your current equipment? Possibly. However do you wish to be with out your PC whereas the commerce occurs? Or take care of scalpers and scammers? I don’t.
The identical goes for working 3x sticks of RAM. It’s not basic recommendation, however if in case you have 2x8GB and wish greater than that however you’re on a good price range, shopping for a single stick of 8GB DDR5 may be sufficient to get you the additional efficiency you want with out breaking the financial institution.
Mismatched RAM might be effective
Simply as utilizing 4x sticks of RAM in 2026 is greater than OK, don’t really feel unhealthy if one of the best you are able to do is mismatched sticks. Positive, you would possibly run into compatibility points when utilizing totally different reminiscence varieties, however that received’t all the time be the case. If something, you’ll solely be capable to run them on the velocity of the slowest stick put in—however given the circumstances, that may be higher than overpaying for matching RAM.
Discover the most affordable DDR5 equipment you’ll find and add it to your setup. It may be ugly and it may not be the efficiency you deserve, however you gotta do what you gotta do and I’m not gonna decide you for it.
Purchase an outdated workplace PC
A few of my most enjoyable DIY PC initiatives through the years concerned grabbing an inexpensive, outdated workplace knock-off machine from eBay or Craigslist and giving it a makeover. Substitute the PSU and throw in an entry-level GPU, possibly even a greater cooler, then let the outdated, mid-range CPU do the remainder.
It’s one method to construct an entry-level gaming PC on a budget in 2026—and likewise a good way to pay money for some reminiscence.
Usually, firms don’t know that their outdated PCs are a gold mine of reminiscence inside. And even for those who can’t simply purchase one for components, a few of these outdated methods make nice little dwelling workplace PCs or price range gaming PCs (for those who can add the components they should play).
Dell
Dell OptiPlex PCs are a basic choice, but additionally look out for HP EliteDesk 800 or ProDesk 600 machines, Lenovo ThinkCentre PCs, Dell Precision workstations, and Acer Veriton methods. They’re all viable for those who discover the correct configuration on the proper value.
Simply be certain the mannequin you’re shopping for isn’t small kind issue, as these are inclined to have weaker CPUs and bespoke energy provides which can be an actual ache to interchange or improve. Maintain a watch out for methods which may have a full x16 measurement PCIe slot, and verify the case dimensions to make sure they’ll take a GPU (for those who’re planning to put in one).
Take advantage of the RAM you might have
What for those who can’t simply purchase new RAM? Otherwise you’ve determined to attend out the RAMpocalypse? Properly, there are a number of methods that even you can make use of to take advantage of the reminiscence you have already got.
The primary trick is to chop down on background functions. It’s a tried-and-true suggestion for reinforcing system efficiency and decreasing laptop computer fan noise. By slicing down on background functions, you release your RAM for use by different apps—extra demanding apps and video games that want it. Each little bit helps.
Browsers are enormous RAM hogs, so shut them down. Don’t simply shut their home windows however verify Job Supervisor to ensure these processes have been killed. Shut down automated backup instruments, chat apps, VPNs, AI chatbots, organizers, clocks, Home windows widgets—something that you just don’t must run what you’re making an attempt to run. Shut ’em all down.
Joel Lee / Foundry
One other trick is to allow XMP/EXPO. Enabling your reminiscence’s XMP/EXPO profile within the BIOS can have a huge impact on efficiency. Make sure that it’s toggled to On. Even if in case you have much less RAM than you would like, this can assist maximize no matter out there bandwidth you might have.
You may take this even additional with handbook overclocking for those who so need, however that’s way more superior and also you’re solely prone to eke out a number of extra % of precise bandwidth. It’s price it if in case you have the time and know-how, in any other case don’t fear about it.
