What’s intriguing is that it’s not just the best RAM that’s becoming more costly these days. As noted by a hardware enthusiast torn_useven memory kits sold through retail channels still carry significant retailer markups. For example, Crucial Pro DDR5-5600 C46 64 GB (2×32 GB), which costs $507.99 in the U.S., is available in Japan for $602.74, including taxes.
Products available in the outlet channel are usually available at reduced prices because they often include products with slightly damaged packaging, returned products or slightly obsolete items. However, this is not and never will be the case with memory. In today’s market where consumer memory is in tiny supply, retailers are working difficult to get the most out of each memory kit. Sometimes this means selling stock memory kits at the same exorbitant prices as up-to-date ones because there is little room for consumer compassion in a tight market.
In Sofmap’s defense, the memory kit is up-to-date and works perfectly; only the packaging may have scratches, scuffs or be slightly torn. Since Micron has withdrawn from the consumer market, Crucial products are now highly collectible, making retailers even less willing to change prices.
Before the memory shortage, a 64GB Crucial memory kit cost around $134.99, but in just a few months the price has increased 3.7 times. Please note that this applies to the retail market. On eBay, the memory scalpers go for a whopping $1,067.45 — more than twice the retail price. It’s a real rollercoaster on the market right now.
When it comes to DDR5-5600 memory with clock speeds like C46-45-45, this 64GB memory kit is not the fastest on the market. Still, DDR5-5600 memory can be easily run on any newfangled CPU, whether you’re using an Intel or AMD processor. Additionally, it supports Intel XMP 3.0 and AMD EXPO, making setup quick and simple. But is the Crucial Pro DDR5-5600 C46 64GB worth paying $507.99? It’s a personal choice that only you can make. With the holiday season just around the corner, we’re likely to see some good RAM deals, even if they’re few and far between.
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