Asus oddly launches ROG DDR5 memory during RAM shortage
Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- PCWorld reports that Asus ROG has launched a high-end 48GB DDR5-6000 memory kit priced at 6,000 yuan (over US$880), initially exclusive to China.
- The timing seems problematic as Asus enters the competitive memory market with an expensive product in tough market conditions.
- Asus has also introduced an ROG-certified memory program for gaming motherboard compatibility, with BiWin manufacturing the memory modules.
Selling ice cubes in a blizzard, pool floats on the International Space Station, or inflatable dart boards. It’s hard to imagine a more unfortunate situation than releasing a line of high-end, high-performance gaming memory during a RAM shortage, when PC buyers are extremely worried about rising prices. Yet here we are – or, at least, here Asus is.
The company just launched a new 48GB DDR5-6000 kit. It’s two DIMMs scalloped in gold and red and featuring RGB lighting that, presumably, isn’t that dim. At the time of the announcement, the first memory sold under the Asus ROG brand is exclusive to China and is expected to launch in June, priced at 6,000 yuan (the equivalent of just over 880 US dollars). It’s expensive even in the current market madness – you can currently get a pair of reliable, faster G-Skill DIMMs for less than $600 on Amazon – but the ROG brand is well known for prices that many buyers overlook. It also gets “20th anniversary” bling, celebrating the Republic of Gamers label.
According to promotional information spotted by VideoCardz, the RAM is actually produced by BiWin, which could indicate an intention to enter the end-user memory market on a more permanent basis. Asus is also launching the ROG Certified Memory program which certifies the RAM used in its gaming motherboards, with partners such as Biwin, Corsair, G.Skill, Kingston, Silicon Power, etc. I don’t see Why you need a certification program for memory that already adheres to a well-established technical standard, but sure, why not.
There is no indication of a global launch of ROG memory or the certification program. Given the market’s struggles, I have a feeling that while Asus was enthusiastic about expanding its component offerings beyond its current motherboards, GPUs, and power supplies, now may not be the right time to jump in.
