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The memory shortage reaches a ridiculous new high - thieves hit South Korean
design office, apparently just to steal DDR5 memory

Date:
Sun, 18 Jan 2026 21:30:00 +0000

Description:
Soaring DDR5 memory prices turn high-capacity modules into small, valuable
targets, prompting specific thefts in exposed office systems.

FULL STORY

A South Korean mine factory recently experienced a theft that focused
exclusively on DDR5 memory modules, leaving all other office items untouched. 

 Reports shared on a local forum claim an intruder broke the tempered-glass
side panels of two desktop computers but ignored desk drawers and other 
office property. 

The stolen hardware consisted solely of four Micron DDR5-5600 32GB modules
rated at CL46, a product line that the company has withdrawn from the 
consumer market.

Selective targeting of a scarce but valuable memory 

Interestingly, no other components were reported missing, indicating the act
was highly selective rather than opportunistic, and leading some to speculate
that the theft was motivated by collection or resale value rather than
immediate functional use. 

The market price for high-end DDR5 memory has created conditions where 
thieves appear willing to bypass other components entirely, focusing only on
these scarce modules. 

DDR5 memory saw extreme price increases in recent months, creating conditions
that make it a highly desirable target for thieves. 

Recent figures from PCPartPicker claim 32GB DDR5-5600 modules in 2x32GB kits
reached roughly $800 on average between October and December 2025. 

Modules with slightly higher specifications, such as DDR5-6000 2x32GB, 
climbed even further, averaging around $900. 

These values far exceed the original retail prices of about $200 in September
2025, making them especially attractive to informed resellers. 

Even lower-capacity modules such as 16GB DDR5-5200 are now commanding high
prices, roughly $90 to $120 per stick, depending on brand and market demand. 

Supply limitations and ongoing production bottlenecks for high-performance
memory contribute to elevated prices, reinforcing the financial incentives 
for theft. 

The surge in value and the scarcity of these high-end modules appear to be
directly influencing theft patterns. 

The South Korean office theft involved four DDR5-5600 32GB modules,
representing a potential combined market value of approximately $1,600. 

The small size of the memory modules, combined with high demand and resale
potential, makes them easier to steal and transport than larger or less
valuable hardware. 

High-end DDR5 modules are particularly vulnerable to theft, especially when
internal components are visible through tempered-glass or transparent cases. 

Systems known to use DDR5 memory face higher risk because thieves can 
identify and target them specifically, focusing on the high-value modules
inside rather than other components. 

That said, organizations may need to increase security measures, including
concealing valuable components, restricting physical access, and monitoring
high-demand hardware. 

======================================================================
Link to news story:
https://www.techradar.com/pro/the-memory-shortage-reaches-a-ridiculous-new-hig
h-thieves-hit-south-korean-design-office-apparently-just-to-steal-ddr5-memory

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