Question Where's the best place to buy RAM these days?

[PrinceXizor]

So, where's the best place to buy RAM these days? Is Newegg still okay? I've heard their return policy is crap these days. Not sure how it works for RAM.
Amazon has cheap prices but I'm always leery of getting not what I think I ordered.
For example, I need to procure DDR3-1600 (or similar) 2 x 8GB and Amazon has Team Force and Silicon Power sticks for ~ $48.
Microcenter has $50 NeoForza plus shipping
Newegg has DDR3-1866 from Patriot for $60.

Amazon's return policy is usually pretty easy (in my experience) if you buy from them directly. Not sure when it's sold by a 3rd party (even a reputable one).

 

[damian101]

For DDR3 RAM? Definitely used, on sites like eBay.

 

[PrinceXizor]

Just used DDR3 as an example. This is more in general based on pricing/availability/return policy/general nefariousness...etc.

 

[aigomorla]

DDR3 is old tech.. its been phased out a long time ago.
Your only going going to find that in either clearance sales, or on flea markets like computer conventions, or ebay.

DDR4, i usually go though amazon, or newegg.
I make sure however its being sold through an authorized vendor, so if i need to pull warranty, it wont get denied.
Newegg, has a bit harsh return policy, while some products on amazon has free returns. meaning for whatever reason you want, you can return it without penalty.
But you really should do some research into the ram your buying and not just whatever is cheapest.
I usually go though the approved vendor list on motherboards when selecting ram.
I have so far never had to return ram. I have to RMA a few times, but as for return, i know what i am buying, and test my ram before the return window is closed.

 

[PrinceXizor]

Man, did I unintentionally stumble into some DDR3 haters club? The DDR3 is for refurbishing an in use business computer and before anyone says to just scrap it and get a better computer, are you paypal'ing me the money for a new computer? No? Okay.

Moving on....the main purpose of this post was to see if there were e-tailers I hadn't thought of when looking for good RAM deals (not just DDR3). I'm looking at Amazon and Newegg like I always do, but I haven't bought a lot of computer components recently and e-commerce changes all the time. I appreciate the info

 

[Steltek]

@aigomorla is just stating a fact - nobody is wasting fab space making DDR3 when it has been phased out for DDR4 production. Beginning sometime next year (or first half 2022), the same thing will begin to happen to DDR4 in favor of DDR5 production.

For office work, there is nothing wrong with an older PC (especially one upgraded with a decent brand 2.5" SSD).

Crucial and Kingston still directly sell some new DDR3 modules from stock, but they'll be dis-proportionally expensive for what you are getting.

If you live in the US and have a local Walmart, you might check their electronics section. My local store (which apparently has a policy to never clearance ANY computer stuff no matter how old it is) still has several DDR3 modules for sale. You can check Best Buy and Target as well, both online and in store.

 

[PrinceXizor]

I didn't say anyone was wrong, just irrelevant. Also, I have no trouble finding DDR3 as reference in the first post. That's not really relevant either. The question was where are the best places to procure RAM (of any type) today? Things like ease of RMA, return, etc. vary over time and companies that used to be good aren't and companies that used to be sketchy are quite solid these days (looking at you Tiger Direct). So, I was hoping to tap into the AT experience and see if I was missing any places other than Amazon and Newegg that would be super handy for purchasing RAM.

Normally I wouldn't really sweat it, but, this is being done in a business setting, not my own personal use and therefore I have to justify my purchase decisions. Given these are computers I haven't touched and don't know anything about the internal layout until they are being refurbed, having a good return policy for stuff that might not fit for some weird, unforseen reason seems practical.

Aigomorla provided some good info on Amazon and Newegg. Any other info to consider?

 

[dlerious]

I haven't had any problems with B&H. Copy of their policy https://www.bhphotovideo.com/find/HelpCenter/ReturnExchange.jsp

 

[PrinceXizor]

Thanks for the info.

 

[VirtualLarry]

If Superbiiz is still around, they had their house-brand RAM sticks available cheap at one point. Super-something brand? Their house brand for accessories is "iMicro", that used to be a great place to get "OEM qty." mice/keyboards shipped, for builders. I haven't probably been there in over a year.

 

[DrMrLordX]

If you're talking DDR3, the best place to buy that is not the same as the best place to buy DDR4.

For DDR3 hit up eBay, done deal.

For DDR4, I usually check out the prices on pcpartpicker.com since nobody (NewEgg, Amazon, B&H, etc.) is demonstrably that much better than anyone else.