Useless RAM with fake chips in circulation
Scammers are counterfeiting memory chips made of fiberglass, selling useless DDR5 modules. First reports are coming from Japan.
A fake SO-DIMM with fake memory.
(Image: taki_pc_1115 / X)
A new variant of memory fraud involves counterfeit memory modules made from fiberglass. The fake chips are replicas of real DRAM plastic casings, complete with labeling. However, they contain no actual memory chips. The modules are useless.
The X member “taki_pc_1115” shows images of a counterfeit Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (SO-DIMM) for notebooks, originating from the Japanese used goods market. A Yahoo auction (only accessible with a VPN tunnel to Japan) displays several such SO-DIMMs. According to the description, the seller cannot guarantee that the modules will function. It is obvious that they are not operational.
Above is the fake, below is an original Samsung SO-DIMM.
(Image:Â taki_pc_1115 / X / heise medien)
Numerous Discrepancies
The counterfeit memory chips exhibit an atypical, bright border. The Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC) required for DDR5 RAM has been replaced with crooked SMD components. The entire circuit board is unusually rounded. Furthermore, the gold contacts on the underside are likely not all of identical length. The Samsung sticker, meanwhile, does not match the supposed memory chips from competitor SK Hynix.
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The potential behind the counterfeits is dangerous. If fraudsters manage to iron out the flaws, the fake modules would be almost indistinguishable from originals. In times of ongoing memory crisis, it is more important than ever to be particularly careful when making purchases, especially if the modules are used. In the latter case, picking them up in person is advisable, allowing for a thorough inspection on-site.
Other scams rely on cheap chips, often with lower capacity than advertised. Such memory is generally functional but typically does not reach the advertised speed. Due to high memory prices, RAM, SSDs, and HDDs are targets for fraudsters.
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