Cost is only one-third! Russian modification master recycles laptop memory chips and successfully hand-makes a 32GB DDR5 desktop memory

As DDR5 memory prices remain high, a hardware modder in Russia has attracted attention in the tech community. By recycling laptop memory chips, he designed and assembled a 32GB desktop DDR5 memory module (UDIMM) that functions normally and costs significantly less than comparable retail products.

According to information shared by VIK-on, the chips used in this homemade DDR5 memory come from two 16GB laptop SO-DIMM modules. He disassembled the original laptop memory chips and re-soldered them onto a custom PCB, making them compatible with desktop UDIMM standards. The additional components required for the project, including the circuit board and heatsinks, incurred relatively low costs.

Cost is only one-third of retail, with clear price advantages

Overall, the production cost of this 32GB DDR5 memory is about 17,000 rubles, roughly $218 USD. In comparison, the Russian market price for similar capacity DDR5-4800 memory is over $400, and high-end DDR5-6400 CL32 modules can approach $600. In Europe and North America, the price gap is often even more pronounced.

In a market where memory supply remains tight and prices fluctuate frequently, this kind of “recycling and reuse” modification demonstrates a high cost-performance ratio and offers an alternative approach for hardware enthusiasts.

Flashing ADATA firmware to enable high-frequency XMP

Beyond hardware modifications, another highlight of VIK-on’s project is the firmware setup. He states that the memory module was flashed with ADATA’s official firmware, successfully enabling DDR5-6400 CL32 XMP profiles. These profiles are originally associated with ADATA’s high-end retail DDR5 memory products, which are quite expensive.

Through firmware tuning, this homemade memory now matches the specifications of high-end DDR5 modules. VIK-on also reports that in actual gaming tests, the stability has been solid, with no compatibility or stability issues so far.

Not “free memory,” still requires technical skills and materials

However, VIK-on emphasizes that this is not a cost-free or zero-barrier solution. Users still need to purchase SO-DIMM memory modules, find compatible PCB designs, and possess a certain level of soldering and hardware modification skills. Additionally, different capacities or packaging formats of memory chips increase the complexity of the design.

He previously considered using 8GB chips to create a lower-cost version, but due to differences in chip packaging, the circuit design became more complicated, ultimately achieving only about 16GB and DDR5-5600 performance levels.

Overall, VIK-on’s work is not only a personal modding achievement but also reflects the potential value of DIY and component reuse in a high-cost hardware environment. As more modules are completed, he plans to share actual testing results via videos, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the feasibility of such non-traditional memory solutions.