Costco is reportedly removing RAM chips from its display pc in several locations, amid growing concerns about possible theft with rising RAM prices. The recent RAM shortage has already had a huge impact on both the gaming industry and the electronic world as a whole, with the rise of artificial intelligence driving the purchase of more RAM. The RAM shortage has already led to companies like Nvidia and Samsung changing their production cycle around low-end models, and many companies raising the prices of their RAM chips. Ongoing manufacturing issues affecting PC users even threaten to push further into the future.
The RAM shortage is expected to have a major ripple effect throughout the electronics industry, reaching more than just price increases. Some reports have suggested that a shortage of RAM chips could potentially delay the release of the next generation of consoles, with Sony and Microsoft considering pushing back their other platforms. Major chipmaker Micron has also already provided a grim outlook for RAM shortages, suggesting it could last beyond 2026. Now Costco is the latest puppet to adjust its procedures to address the RAM crisis.
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Costco is removing RAM from display computers amid theft concerns
Some customers at Costco have suggested that several retail locations have begun removing RAM chips from their display computers. Images shared on Reddit show several pre-assembled desktop towers at a Costco store, each with no RAM included in the build. Some users have suggested that the move may be an attempt to curb the theft of RAM chips from display PCs, with stores reportedly catching customers stealing RAM from pre-built PCs for the camera. Costco has not officially addressed the attempt to steal RAM from its display computers or the decision to remove RAM from its pre-built models.
While the problem of RAM theft became more prevalent with the shortage, fans pointed out that the decision likely wasn't a one-size-fits-all change from Costco. One user said the decision was made by Costco stores for “security” reasons, with “individual managers” calling for RAM chips to be removed from display computers. Some users cited their local Costco locations where they displayed completely empty PC cases on the shelves, simply listing the PC's specifications on a piece of paper attached to the case. Others have also revealed that many shops have started removing not only the RAM chips but also the GPUs from their display PCs.
Continuing to run out of RAM can have long-term consequences
The lack of RAM seems to have some far-reaching effects, with some companies even trying to get rid of consumer RAM altogether. The previously mentioned Micron recently revealed that it will discontinue its Crucial line of consumer RAM and SSDs, with the company intending to shift its focus to AI companies. Popular hardware maker Nvidia is also rumored to slow GPU production in 2026, with the company planning to cut production by up to 40% in 2026. Reports from November even suggested that RAM chip prices more than tripled in just one month.
While the RAM crisis is likely to affect the electronics industry on a global scale, there have been some bright spots amid the shortage. Nintendo recently suggested that the Switch 2 will reportedly be unaffected by the ongoing RAM issues, although the company could not rule out later changes. Recent leaks have also suggested that Nvidia may be planning to restart production of one of its most popular GPUs amid the shortages, hinting at the return of the RTX 3060. The ongoing RAM crisis has led many companies to adjust their practices to address the shortages, with more likely to come in the future.
