Memory prices have climbed so high that empty plastic sticks now cost nearly as much as actual memory modules did a year ago. This shift forces PC builders to weigh aesthetic upgrades against functional storage, especially as DDR5 kits remain expensive. Buyers looking to fill empty slots for RGB lighting now face a choice between paying for unused PCBs or saving for real RAM.
Empty PCBs cost nearly as much as functional DDR4 modules
V-Color has released a 'Non-DRAM' filler kit designed specifically for DDR5 motherboard slots. The product consists of two modules that mimic the look of functional memory sticks but contain no memory chips. These fillers include a PCB, heat spreader, and lighting effects identical to the manufacturer's functional DIMMs. The company positions these items as companion pieces to be used alongside specific V-Color DIMMs that contain actual memory.
Specifications
- Product Type: Non-DRAM filler module
- Compatibility: Intel chipsets only
- DDR5 Kit MSRP: Approximately $70
- Kit Type: Two-pack of non-memory modules
The kit carries an official MSRP of approximately $70 USD. This price point is notable because it nearly matches the cost of a 32GB DDR4 kit from a year ago. The modules are strictly designed for Intel chipsets. V-Color explicitly warns users against installing these DIMMs in AMD systems, citing compatibility restrictions.
The existence of a profitable market for non-functional memory highlights the severity of the current memory shortage. Manufacturers are finding financial viability in selling unpopulated PCBs for aesthetic purposes. This trend underscores how high demand for functional memory has pushed prices to levels where even empty slots command a premium. The filler kit serves as a tangible indicator of the supply constraints affecting the broader PC hardware market.
Source: NotebookCheck
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