Buyer denied DDR5 RAM replacement under warranty, with retailer quoting high memory prices

Some retailers are finding ways to protect themselves from record-high memory prices. Hardware Unboxed detailed Goran's struggles after purchasing a 32GB Corsair Vengeance DDR5 RAM kit in 2024. Despite being under warranty, the Australian Umart refused to replace the modules. Now, the company won’t even return the original memory to the buyer.

Is Umart following the law?

Under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), when a major failure occurs, consumers have a choice of a refund, replacement, or other compensation. These guidelines are separate from the coverage provided by manufacturers' warranties. Unlike in other parts of the world, buyers typically contact the retailer where they purchased the product first.

Goran returned the DDR5 RAM to Umart, who found errors with MemTest86 in one stick. Even so, it argued that the problem wasn’t a major failure, and only offered a refund in the original amount of $155 Australian dollars. In some cases, memory prices have quadrupled or more, including with these Corsair modules. With only more expensive SKUs in stock, the store believes there is no similar substitute available.

Hardware Unboxed vehemently disagrees with Umart’s interpretation of the ACL. The channel suspects that the retailer sourced the memory from a distributor not partnered with Corsair. Consequently, that would complicate the RMA process with the manufacturer, costing them hundreds of dollars.

If only one stick has issues, Goran could run his gaming PC at reduced capacity. Sadly, the shop commandeered the memory, leaving him with few options other than buying a much more costly substitute. It’s possible that the store has already resold the kit for profit, taking advantage of the AI-fueled shortage.

Corsair's role in the DDR5 RAM fiasco

While not responsible for the poor customer service, Corsair wasn’t much help to the gamer either. It’s also faced criticism for cancelling orders and then raising Vengeance DDR5 RAM prices. Several weeks passed without any response to his request. Hardware Unboxed is working with a contact at the company, which hopefully will result in a positive outcome.

Most retailers may not behave like Umart, but some buyers are now more nervous about the longevity of their RAM. Weary of the impact of high memory prices, shops will look for any alternative to avoid losses.