MAINGEAR BYO RAM PROGRAM
Bring your own RAM and save BIG!
Perhaps you’ve noticed memory prices are at record highs. We’re not happy about it, either. The rapid boom in AI infrastructure has large AI companies buying up enormous amounts of memory for their data centers. As a result, major memory manufacturers are prioritizing supply for these more profitable AI players, creating severe constraints and price surges across consumer products like PCs, laptops, and smartphones.
⚠️ Many DDR5 kits are seeing 100% to 400+% price increases⚠️
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.
Shipping
Have the RAM already?
We’ll provide a prepaid envelope with fast 2-day shipping.
Buying it online?
Save time and ship it directly to us.
Savings
Avoid industry-wide price hikes and provide your own RAM to save on your overall system cost. No additional fees apply and you can compare to our in house pricing when you configure.
Compatibility
New, used, pulled from a current build, or sourced from retail, eBay, friends or family, as long as it's compatible DDR5 it doesn't matter.
Performance
We'll ensure you get the maximum performance possible from your system configuration.
Got multiple kits?
Send them all in and we'll install the highest performing one and return the rest with your PC.
Testing
Your RAM will be tested to ensure system maximum stability in your MAINGEAR PC. If we spot any issues, we'll provide alternative options and return your kit with your PC.
Warranty
If we detect issues, and your RAM is under its manufacturer's warranty, we will assist you with a claim and provide options to keep your build moving.
Customize your PC
Customize your PC and select the BYO RAM option in the memory category to get started today!
Basic Compatibility Guide
Bringing your own RAM is easy, as long as it’s supported by the platform in your new PC. Use the checklist below to get a high level idea of whether your existing kit is likely to work.
Match the DDR generation
The single biggest compatibility factor is the DDR generation. It must match your motherboard. All current platforms offered by MAINGEAR rely exclusively on DDR5. We are unable to use your DDR3 or DDR4 in any of our current systems.
Confirm the memory type
Make sure you have the right modules for your platform.
- AMD Ryzen and Intel Core Ultra gaming PCs use Unbuffered DIMM (UDIMM)
- Workstations equipped with AMD Threadripper or Intel Xeon CPUs often rely on Registered DIMM (RDIMM)
- Laptops use Small Outline DIMM (SODIMM).
If your RAM came out of a laptop, it will not be compatible with a desktop, and vice versa. RDIMM and UDIMM are not interchangeable.
Confirm capacity and stick count make sense
Most modern PCs are happiest with two matching sticks (for dual channel operation), but there is flexibility depending on the platform.
- Common sweet spots are 32GB (2 x 16), 64GB (2 x 32), and 128GB (2 x 64)
- We cannot use mixed capacity sticks, so a matching set is required.
- A single stick will run, but can reduce performance versus a matched pair
- Non-binary kits, such as 24GB (2 x 12), 48GB (2 x 24), and 96GB (2 x 48) are often supported, but can be a bit more finicky when it comes to optimal compatibility.
Compatibility is more than “it fits”
Even when the DDR generation and module type are correct, stability depends on the full combo: motherboard, CPU, memory controller, capacity, and speed.
- Very high speed kits may require tuning or speed adjustments to maintain stability
- Four stick configurations can be harder to optimize. We’re happy to test, but we may recommend opting for dual-channel if issues arise.
- Used RAM can be perfectly fine, but our testing process is important
Tip: If you aren’t sure about anything, just reach out to our support team in advance. We’re happy to assist!
Packaging and shipping tips
- Send modules together in the same prepaid envelope
- Keep sticks protected in the included clamshell tray and anti-static packaging
- You’re welcome to include more than one kit. We’ll test them all and use the best suited option. Any unused memory will be shipped back to you along with your new PC.
Still not sure? We can help.
If you have questions, or want us to confirm compatibility before you send anything, contact us and share what you know, including make/model, photos, where the RAM came from, and the PC you are looking to order. We can guide you to the best option so your system ships fully integrated, tested, and ready to go.
Do you charge for this service?
No, you’ll actually reduce your new PCs purchase price by providing your own RAM.
Can I send a used kit?
Yes, as long as it is supported. We will test it. Reach out to us in advance if you’re unsure about compatibility.
Will you enable XMP or EXPO?
We will tune and optimize settings for maximum performance and stability in your system.
What if my RAM fails testing?
We will tell you what we found and help you pursue a manufacturer warranty claim when applicable, as well as provide additional in-house RAM options.
What if I cancel my order?
We will ship your RAM back to you free of charge. Our standard terms of sale still apply.
Will this delay my build?
No, once we receive your RAM, everything will move along in accordance with our normal lead times.
Will this impact my warranty?
The RAM carries any applicable warranty through its respective manufacturer. Other than that, your MAINGEAR system warranty and lifetime support are unaffected.
Can I send more than one kit in case one doesn’t work?
You’re welcome to send more than one kit. We’ll test them all and use the best suited option. Any unused memory will be shipped back to you along with your new PC. Just let us know you plan to send multiple kits so we can provide the right shipping materials.
Can I just buy a PC with no RAM and add it later?
Not quite. To ship a fully tested, optimized system, we need memory installed before it leaves MAINGEAR. That lets us validate stability, tune settings, and provide proper support and warranty coverage. You can either send us your own compatible RAM through our BYO program, or have MAINGEAR supply the kit, either way, your PC ships fully integrated and tested.
Can I provide other parts, like a specific GPU or motherboard?
The BYO program is currently restricted to memory, and memory alone.
Intel game code bundle
Get Battlefield 6
Purchase a MAINGEAR PC (desktop or laptop) with an Intel processor and choose your free game + bonus software.
Choose from
- Battlefield 6
- Assassin's Creed: Shadows
- Dying Light: The Beast
- Civ VII
Offer valid until January 31st, 2026 on qualifying hardware only. Bundle codes hold no value. While supplies last. Bundle code distributed via email after order fulfillment.
