It’s no secret to anyone interested in PC building that RAM prices are way out of line right now. RAM price hikes are likely to stick around for a lengthy amount of time, and may even disrupt gaming for “several years,” says Epic boss Tim Sweeney. If you want to remind yourself of how bad it is, you can take a look at any DDR5 kit at your favorite online retailer right now.

And now, there’s yet another reminder of the RAM crisis – fake RAM. We’re not talking counterfeits here, but a legit product that ships with just one stick of RAM and one ‘filler’ stick. It’s hard not to wonder whether something like this will catch out unsuspecting buyers, leaving them with half of the memory capacity they expected.

RAM kits with filler RAM from V-Color

New DDR5 RAM kits for AMD (AM5) systems are being prepared by V-Color in 16GB and 24GB sizes. However, they feature just a single stick of working RAM; this is called a ‘1+1 Value Pack’. Essentially, the product is designed to give your system a more ‘fuller’ look – typically with RGB lighting – while you wait for DDR5 memory to become more easily accessible and affordable. The kits are not yet available, but are set to be sold through V-Color’s official channels and partnered retailers, including Newegg.

The fake stick looks identical to the working RAM and will feature in the 1+1 format, but V-Color has also put out some further concepts, suggesting a 2+2 version may be available in the future. As you’ve probably already guessed, this means two sticks of legitimate RAM, and two just for show.

Source: V-color PR

Source: V-color PR

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We suppose if you really care about how the inside of your PC looks, and you want to fake it until you make it, sure, it’s not a terrible idea, though it does little to address the actual RAM crisis. If you’re really looking to build a new gaming PC in the current climate, we’d recommend bundle offers like those found at Micro Center, with a 3-in-1 deal that softens the blow of RAM prices. Alternatively, those looking to buy a prebuilt may want to check out the various ‘bring-your-own RAM’ initiatives.

About the Author

Jack Goodall

At PC Guide, Jack is mostly responsible for reporting on hardware deals. He also specializes in monitors, TVs, and headsets and can be found putting his findings together in a review or best-of guide.