Technology

Modder saves $130 by building 32GB DDR5 desktop DIMMs from scavenged laptop memory — donor modules soldered to bare PCB flashed with custom firmware even run XMP

Source

Tom's Hardware

Published

Jan 11, 2026

TL;DR

AI Generated

A modder successfully built a 32GB DDR5 desktop memory stick by repurposing laptop memory modules onto a custom PCB with a flashed firmware supporting 6400 MT/s XMP. The total cost of the DIY project was around $218, significantly cheaper than retail offerings. Soldering the ICs required skill and proper equipment, but the modder's expertise made it successful. This innovative approach showcases cost-saving potential amidst rising memory prices and shortages in the tech market.

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Modder saves $130 by building 32GB DDR5 desktop DIMMs from scavenged laptop memory — donor modules soldered to bare PCB flashed with custom firmware even run XMP

TL;DR

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Lexar regional manager says that RAM prices are expected to double by the end of the year — 'discounts' and stabilized prices result from distributors getting rid of old stock or sourcing products from other regions

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Modder saves $130 by building 32GB DDR5 desktop DIMMs from scavenged laptop memory — donor modules soldered to bare PCB flashed with custom firmware even run XMP

TL;DR

Similar Articles

Lexar regional manager says that RAM prices are expected to double by the end of the year — 'discounts' and stabilized prices result from distributors getting rid of old stock or sourcing products from other regions

Taiwanese startup FormulaV Line wants to break into US market with two new unique cases — company expects products to become available on Newegg later this year

G.Skill explains how AMD EXPO ULL unlocks additional performance — expanded profiles allow memory makers to include subtiming tweaks for the first time

Huawei-led team claims it post-trained DeepSeek's 1.6-trillion-parameter model — 1,000 Ascend 910C chips used in training