The RAM scarcity continues to be uncontrolled. You can’t build a decent PC anymore with out spending exorbitant quantities of money, all as a result of reminiscence and storage prices are by way of the roof. Graphics playing cards are additionally briefly provide. It’s loopy on the market! What are you to do?
Well, you’ve choices. Maybe you received’t have the ability to pay money for the newest DDR5 sticks, and possibly you’ll need to make peace with graphics playing cards now being solely for the mega-rich, and possibly it’s going to be a long time before the shortage ends. But you do have choices.
Here’s what I’m doing to get across the reminiscence disaster and discover some respectable upgrades with out draining my financial institution accounts.
Buy bizarre RAM
You know what most individuals purchase after they’re upgrading reminiscence? The quickest 16GB or 32GB package they’ll discover and afford. But what’s an effective way to discover a higher deal? Buy the rest!
Check out 24GB and 48GB kits. Or DDR5 5200 MT/s reminiscence. Buy the reminiscence with out RGB, or one with an unsightly heatspreader. Buy 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.
Mustpoint
Hell, you’ll be able to even use SO-DIMM laptop computer RAM in the event you get a SO-DIMM to DIMM converter. Laptop reminiscence costs have gone up, too, and the efficiency received’t be the identical… however it’s one other method you would possibly have the ability to snag an improve whereas paying much less general.
Consider older RAM
While DDR5 reminiscence is the gold commonplace for contemporary gaming and work machines, DDR4 reminiscence can nonetheless be a lot quick, too—and it stays extra related than you would possibly assume.
The most fashionable methods that also assist DDR4 reminiscence embrace AMD’s Ryzen 5000 (which incorporates the excellent 5800X3D for a top gaming chip), and Intel has some 600-series motherboards that even assist as much as 13th-gen CPUs just like the Core i9-13900K.
Newegg
As of this writing, DDR4 reminiscence is about $100 cheaper per package than DDR5. More concretely, you’ll be able to seize a 16GB package of twin sticks for round $110 or a 32GB package for round $230.
If you’re seeking to construct one thing completely new, you can even go for a good older DDR3-based PC. That will actually begin to hamstring your efficiency, and it received’t even be appropriate with Windows 11. Still, you’ll be able to run an old-excellent CPU just like the Intel Core i7-4790Okay on DDR3. It’s removed from cutting-edge, however it’s sufficient for a homework machine or for enjoying older video games (paired with a fairly fashionable GPU).
Don’t overlook 4x RAM sticks
Conventional knowledge when constructing, shopping for, or upgrading your PC is to make use of 2x RAM sticks. Why? Because whereas high-end desktops can profit from quad-channel reminiscence, most client PCs truly see drops in efficiency when putting further demand on the reminiscence controller (which offsets the advantages gained from added capability).
But in 2026, reminiscence beggars can’t be choosers. If you’re sitting on 2x8GB of DDR5 and need you had 2x16GB, contemplate choosing 4x8GB as a substitute. No, it’s not excellent… however when it’s a alternative between spending $200 on an additional 2x8GB package of twin stick DDR5 or changing the entire thing for $300+, the reply appears apparent. Could you resell your current package? Maybe. But do you wish to be with out your PC whereas the commerce occurs? Or cope with scalpers and scammers? I don’t.
The similar goes for working 3x sticks of RAM. It’s not traditional recommendation, however when you’ve got 2x8GB and wish greater than that however you’re on a good finances, shopping for a single stick of 8GB DDR5 could be sufficient to get you the additional efficiency you want with out breaking the financial institution.
Mismatched RAM might be positive
Just as utilizing 4x sticks of RAM in 2026 is greater than OK, don’t really feel dangerous if one of the best you are able to do is mismatched sticks. Sure, you would possibly run into compatibility points when utilizing totally different reminiscence sorts, however that received’t all the time be the case. If something, you’ll solely have the ability to run them on the pace of the slowest stick put in—however given the circumstances, that could be higher than overpaying for matching RAM.
Find the most cost effective DDR5 package you’ll find and add it to your setup. It could 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.
Buy an outdated workplace PC
Some of my most enjoyable DIY PC initiatives over time concerned grabbing an affordable, outdated workplace knock-off machine from eBay or Craigslist and giving it a makeover. Replace the PSU and throw in an entry-level GPU, possibly even a greater cooler, then let the outdated, mid-range CPU do the remaining.
It’s one solution to construct an entry-level gaming PC on a budget in 2026—and likewise an effective way to pay money for some reminiscence.
Often, firms don’t know that their outdated PCs are a gold mine of reminiscence inside. And even in the event you can’t simply purchase one for elements, a few of these outdated methods make nice little residence workplace PCs or finances gaming PCs (in the event you can add the elements they should play).
Dell
Dell OptiPlex PCs are a traditional 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 in the event you discover the appropriate configuration on the proper value.
Just ensure the mannequin you’re shopping for isn’t small kind issue, as these are inclined to have weaker CPUs and bespoke energy provides which are an actual ache to interchange or improve. Keep a watch out for methods which may have a full x16 dimension PCIe slot, and test the case dimensions to make certain they’ll take a GPU (in the event you’re planning to put in one).
Make the a lot of the RAM you’ve
What in the event you can’t simply purchase new RAM? Or you’ve determined to attend out the RAMpocalypse? Well, there are just a few methods that even you can make use of to profit from the reminiscence you have already got.
The first trick is to chop down on background purposes. It’s a tried-and-true advice for boosting system performance and reducing laptop fan noise. By chopping down on background purposes, you unencumber your RAM for use by different apps—extra demanding apps and video games that want it. Every little bit helps.
Browsers are enormous RAM hogs, so shut them down. Don’t simply shut their home windows however check Task Manager to make sure these processes have been killed. Shut down automated backup instruments, chat apps, VPNs, AI chatbots, organizers, clocks, Windows widgets—something that you just don’t must run what you’re attempting to run. Shut ’em all down.
Joel Lee / Foundry
Another trick is to allow XMP/EXPO. Enabling your reminiscence’s XMP/EXPO profile within the BIOS can have a huge impact on efficiency. Make certain it’s toggled to On. Even when you’ve got much less RAM than you want, this can assist maximize no matter accessible bandwidth you’ve.
You can take this even additional with guide overclocking in the event you so want, however that’s way more superior and also you’re solely prone to eke out just a few extra p.c of precise bandwidth. It’s value it when you’ve got the time and know-how, in any other case don’t fear about it.
If doubtful, improve one thing else
RAM is just one path to upgrading your PC. If not one of the above workarounds give you the results you want, contemplate the various different methods of bettering your PC that don’t contain RAM in any respect. Truth is, the RAM crisis is going to last a long, long time so… don’t maintain your breath.
My suggestion? Check out my different article on PC upgrades that won’t be affected by the RAM shortage for concepts on what you are able to do.