Costco is reportedly removing the RAM chips from its display PCs at several locations, amid growing concerns of possible theft with the rising prices of RAM. The recent RAM shortage has already made a huge impact on both the gaming industry and the electronics world as a whole, with the rise of AI leading to more RAM being bought up. RAM shortages have already led to companies like Nvidia and Samsung changing their production cycle around low-cost models, along with many companies increasing the prices of their RAM chips. The ongoing production issues impacting PC users are even threatening to push further into the future.
The RAM shortages are expected to have a major ripple effect across the electronics industry, reaching farther than just raised prices. Some reports have suggested that shortages of RAM chips could potentially cause a delay in the release window for the next console generation, with Sony and Microsoft considering pushing back their next platforms. Major chipmaker Micron has already given a bleak outlook for the RAM shortage as well, suggesting it could last beyond 2026. Now, Costco is the newest figurehead to adjust its practices to address the RAM crisis.
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Costco is Removing RAM from Display PCs Amid Theft Concerns
Some shoppers at Costco have suggested that several retail locations have begun to remove the RAM chips from their display PCs. Images shared to Reddit show off multiple pre-built desktop towers in a Costco store, with each notably not containing any RAM within the build. Some users have suggested that the move may be an attempt to curb theft of RAM chips from display PCs, with stores said to have captured customers stealing RAM out of the pre-built computers on camera. Costco has not officially addressed the attempted theft of RAM from its display PCs, nor the decision to remove RAM from its pre-built shelf models.
While the issue of RAM theft has become more prevalent with the shortages, fans did point out that the decision was likely not a universal change from Costco. One user cited the decision as being made for "safety" reasons by Costco stores, with "individual managers" making the call to remove the RAM chips from display computers. Some users cited their local Costco locations displaying entirely empty PC cases on their shelves, simply listing the specs of the PC on a piece of paper attached to the case. Others also revealed that many stores have begun to take out not only RAM chips, but also GPUs from their display PCs.
The Ongoing RAM Shortages Could Have Long-Lasting Implications
The RAM shortage looks to have some wide-reaching effects, including some companies even looking to ditch consumer RAM entirely. The previously mentioned Micron recently revealed that it will be ending its Crucial line of consumer RAM and SSDs, with the company intending to shift its focus to AI companies. Popular hardware manufacturer Nvidia is also rumored to be slowing its GPU production in 2026, with the company planning to cut its output by as much as 40% in 2026. Reports from November even suggested that prices of RAM chips had more than tripled within just a month.
While the RAM crisis is likely to affect the electronics industry on a global scale, there have been some bright spots amidst the shortages. Nintendo recently suggested that the Switch 2 will reportedly not be impacted by the ongoing RAM issues, though 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 amidst the shortages, hinting at the return of the RTX 3060. The ongoing RAM crisis has seen many companies adjust their practices to address the shortages, with more likely to come in the future.