It was only a matter of time until the current RAM shortage began affecting other parts of the industry, and system integrators are looking into other options for consumers. While many PC enthusiasts will scoff at a pre-built system, they can offer value for those who do their homework in pricing the parts of what is offered and are willing to take a chance of having a complete system shipped to them. That being said, it’s becoming apparent that RAM inventory purchased by custom builders prior to the current supply shortage is drying up, and some are now offering configuration options without memory as a way to continue to entice customers.
One of the first companies to try this strategy is Paradox Customs, which posted about the new option on its social media page.
Due to ongoing RAM shortages and the price of ram skyrocketing, we are now providing the option to select no ram in the build section of our website!
— Paradox Customs (@Brparadox) December 19, 2025
If you already have RAM sticks or can source them elsewhere, feel free to use this option ✅ pic.twitter.com/rlGLPpfznC
As reported by TechPowerUp, there are caveats to think about when considering buying a prebuilt system sans RAM. System integrators will usually completely configure a build and test before shipping to the customer, which includes tuning BIOS memory settings for RAM to ensure system stability. However, for those who do not have adequate skills or are not accustomed to installing RAM and configuring a PC for it, this presents a problem, and while not usually a very technical one, there can be exceptions leading to essentially a series of frustrating BSODs before the consumer gets it right.
Paradox Customs is not the only system integrator to begin offering this option, as another has followed suit. MAINGEAR, a brand with which some may be more familiar, has also started to let customers bring their own RAM to the party. MAINGEAR adds another option for its customers who can purchase their own RAM and send it to MAINGEAR to install in their chosen build, and will then do the usual configuration and testing before shipping the system to the customer.
“To ensure we can continue delivering the high quality MAINGEAR systems you expect, and to offer our customers a fair shake at a new build without the added costs, we’ve decided to try something new…
Have RAM already? Found a killer kit or sweet deal online? Place your order and send us your RAM, we’ll build it into your new MAINGEAR PC, test it, and tune it for performance and reliability.”
Introducing BYO RAM
Have RAM already? Found a killer kit or sweet deal online?Send it to us and we will build it into your new MAINGEAR PC, test it, and tune it for performance and reliability.”
– MAINGEAR
It seems quite probable that more boutique PCs will be offered via one of the two above strategies since RAM prices are not expected to stabilize or come back down anytime in 2026 or 2027. As of yet, other well-known custom PC companies, such as iBuyPower, CyberpowerPC, or ABS, have not begun offering similar options, but that could well change in the new year.