A Reddit user has shared how he managed to purchase a 32GB DDR5 memory kit at a price far below current market rates after spotting a listing error on Facebook Marketplace. The user, known as u/HappifyChris, revealed that a seller had listed a premium Corsair Dominator memory kit as DDR4, pricing it at $120. Upon reviewing the photos, the buyer identified that the kit was actually DDR5 and moved quickly to secure the deal.
At the time of writing, 32GB DDR5 kits, especially higher-end models from brands like Corsair, typically sell between $350 and $400, depending on specifications such as speed and latency. Even during periods when DDR5 pricing was more stable, premium Dominator kits rarely dipped below the $150 range. In comparison, DDR4 kits have also seen price increases, making the $120 listing unusual regardless of the generation. The key difference lies in the physical notch placement and labeling on the modules, which allowed the buyer to confirm it was DDR5.
The user was still running a DDR4-based motherboard at the time of purchase, specifically the ASUS TUF Z690 WiFi D4. Since DDR4 and DDR5 are not cross-compatible, an upgrade was required. He opted for the MSI PRO Z790-A, which supports DDR5 memory while maintaining compatibility with the same Intel processor socket generation. This meant he did not need to replace his CPU, keeping additional costs limited to the motherboard.
After installing the new board and memory kit, the system reportedly booted without issue, and the DDR5 modules functioned as expected. The total investment for the RAM was significantly lower than current retail pricing, potentially saving several hundred dollars compared to buying new from major retailers.
Posts like this continue to appear on Reddit, particularly in PC hardware communities where users exchange information about deals, upgrades, and pricing trends. While such mistakes are not common, online marketplaces can occasionally present opportunities for buyers familiar with hardware specifications. As DDR5 adoption continues and pricing fluctuates, careful inspection of listings and product images can sometimes lead to unexpected savings for PC builders and gamers.
