UPDATE: Paradox Customs has just announced a groundbreaking option for prebuilt PCs: customers can now order systems without any RAM installed. This urgent response to the ongoing memory shortage and soaring DRAM prices is shaking up the industry, as buyers seek ways to avoid the escalating costs associated with prebuilt systems.
In late 2025, the hardware market is facing unprecedented chaos. Consumer DDR5 prices have nearly tripled over the past year due to skyrocketing demand from AI data centers. Paradox Customs’ innovative “bring your own memory” option allows buyers to sidestep the so-called “RAM tax,” enabling them to save potentially hundreds of dollars if they already own compatible memory kits.
“By offering this alternative, we are navigating the supply chain challenges that affect all builders,” a spokesperson for Paradox Customs stated. “It allows us to provide systems without constant price hikes due to fluctuating memory costs.”
However, this radical shift does not come without risks. Installing RAM is crucial for a computer’s functionality, and memory compatibility can be tricky, especially on newer AMD and Intel platforms. If customers use memory that is incompatible with their motherboard, they could face serious issues, including black screens or system crashes.
Paradox Customs has made it clear that while they will support the other hardware components, customers bear the responsibility for ensuring their RAM works correctly. This could mean that what was intended as a straightforward prebuilt PC experience may devolve into a complicated troubleshooting endeavor for less experienced users.
As this situation unfolds, the implications for the future of PC building are significant. If memory shortages persist into 2026, we could see more manufacturers offloading costly components onto consumers, fundamentally changing how PCs are sold. This move is a clever survival tactic for Paradox Customs, but it underscores the reality that the once “golden age” of affordable, accessible PC parts is now on hold.
For tech enthusiasts looking to build their systems, this presents an opportunity to reuse existing parts and cut costs. However, for everyday users simply wanting a reliable computer, the landscape is becoming increasingly complex. To navigate this new reality, potential buyers should double-check their motherboard’s compatibility list before deciding to bring their own RAM.
This developing story highlights the urgent need for consumers to stay informed about changes in the hardware market. As the situation evolves, Paradox Customs’ decision may pave the way for similar strategies from other builders, reshaping the future of prebuilt PCs in an era defined by supply chain challenges and fluctuating prices.
Stay tuned for more updates on this critical situation as it unfolds.
