RAM Shortages Lead to Thefts: Thieves Target PC Modules Over Entire Units

The escalating crisis of RAM shortages continues to reach alarming heights, leading to desperate measures by individuals seeking to exploit the inflated prices. A recent incident exemplifies this trend, where a thief brazenly stole RAM modules from a personal computer located in a public space, reflecting the severe demand in the market.

Ram Theft Highlighting Insurance Challenges Amidst Soaring Prices

Current memory shortages are pushing RAM module prices to unprecedented levels. For instance, a 256 GB memory stick can retail for several thousand dollars, revealing the extreme impact on consumer electronics due to the ongoing DRAM scarcity. Reports from a Korean public forum detail an incident where a thief infiltrated an office to steal four 32 GB Micron memory modules, breaking through the tempered glass of the PC case to do so.

RAM thiefhttps://t.co/3toIOGhlb9 pic.twitter.com/1sa22bjSBK

— Posiposi (@harukaze5719) January 14, 2026

The individual who reported this theft noted that their company has a liability policy for the stolen items. However, the rampant memory shortages are causing complications for insurance adjusters attempting to provide adequate compensation. This scenario prompts a realization: for the thief, extracting just the RAM modules is far more manageable than stealing an entire PC unit, which would be cumbersome and noticeable.

Increased DRAM costs to increase smartphone BoM (Bill of Materials) by up to 25 percent, resulting in lowered shipments — Image Credits: SK hynix

This incident underscores a troubling trend in the RAM market, as the value of these components continues to rise. As discussed in our exclusive interview with Micron, the outlook for memory supplies suggests that shortages may persist well into 2028, despite significant investments in production facilities. Similar to the previous surge in GPU thefts, this occurrence raises concerns about the potential for RAM-related crimes to become increasingly common.

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