‘Outlet’ RAM sold in Japan as new with huge markups, scuffed packaging — Crucial DDR5-5600 64GB kit commands $600 overseas as AI shortage bites

It’s interesting to see that it’s not only the best RAM that’s become pricier these days. As pointed out by hardware enthusiast momomo_us, even memory kits sold through outlet channels still carry a notable retailer markup. For example, the Crucial Pro DDR5-5600 C46 64GB (2x32GB), which costs $507.99 in the U.S., is available in Japan for $602.74, taxes included.

Products available in the outlet channel usually come at a discounted price because they often include items with slightly damaged packaging, returned products, or things that are a bit outdated. However, that’s not and will never be the case for memory. In today’s market, where consumer memory is scarce, retailers are doing their best to make the most of every memory kit. Sometimes it means selling outlet memory kits at the same exorbitant prices as new ones, since there’s little room for consumer sympathy in a tight market.