How to get RAM for cheap in 2026

Hi all, and welcome to 2026's very first Thomas's Weekly Roundup (actually biweekly), where we discuss the most timely and relevant topics facing us as a cohort of students. Chief of our current concerns (and by our, I mean me) is the current surge in prices for RAM, or Random Access Memory, a vital component of a computer (as well as a Daft Punk reference?) as a result of AI data centers buying all of the supply. As a result, RAM sticks are more expensive than they've ever been, and if you want to build or upgrade your computer, you're unfortunately SOL.

Worry not, intrepid PC builder, for Uncle Tommy has 3 solutions which are sure to be very useful and not stupid/wasteful. Let's get into it.

1. Buy a pre-built computer

   

   One of the many prebuilt Personal Computers on the market. Credit: Nova Tech

   This is probably our most logical solution, if a bit boring. Prebuilt PCs often have decent RAM loads, but they skimp on other vital components, using low end CPUs or even graphics cards to make up for the expensive RAM.

   
   

2. Discretely take RAM sticks out of other people's computers (when they're not looking)

   

   If you get REALLY lucky you might find a server, which is a jackpot for swiping some RAM with very dubious legality. Please don't actually do this. Credit: Techbuyer

   Disclaimer: Do not ACTUALLY do this. But if you're sneaky enough & have the fine motor skills, you could certainly pilfer a RAM stick out of someone else's PC or laptop walking around campus. Someone puts down their laptop to go wait in line at Dunkin in SCE? Boom, you get a free RAM stick. Just make sure to leave one stick behind, and they're none the wiser.

   
   

3. Travel back in time to 2023

   

   You already know this is the best option. Credit: Wikipedia

   The resources needed for this method are a little more expensive. And inconvenient. And this is the only option where you can potentially erase yourself from the timeline by creating a paradox. However, if you can pull it off, you'll get access to a finer era, one where AI slop looked insanely visually obvious and didn't require trained experts to identify it. Plus, 100 dollars for 16 gigabytes of RAM. Better times.