Khaberni - In a notable incident reflecting the extent to which the computer components shortage crisis has reached, a design office affiliated with a company in South Korea was targeted in a unique theft, where only DDR5 memories were targeted, completely ignoring the rest of the office contents.
According to reports circulated by users on a local tech forum, the intruder broke the side glass panels of two desktop computers, without tampering with the drawers or stealing any other devices, leaving with only four Micron DDR5-5600 memory chips, each with a capacity of 32 gigabytes, a category whose production had been discontinued for the consumer market.
Precise targeting of rare and high-value memory
What is striking about the incident is that the theft was extremely selective, suggesting that the motive was not random, but based on prior knowledge of the value of this memory in the market, according to a report published by "techradar" and reviewed by "Al Arabiya Business".
This behavior led some to believe that the goal is resale or collection, not direct use.
With sharp jumps in DDR5 prices over the past months, these units have become an attractive target.
Recent data indicates that 64 gigabyte DDR5-5600 kits (2×32 gigabytes) have reached an average price of approximately $800 between October and December 2025, while DDR5-6000 kits have exceeded the price to about $900.
These figures represent a significant jump compared to their price in September 2025, when they were sold for only about $200, making them a rare and highly valued commodity in record time.
Even the lower capacities were not spared
The increase was not limited to the higher categories, as 16 gigabyte DDR5 chips are now sold at prices ranging from $90 to $120 per chip, depending on the brand and market demand.
This significant rise can be attributed to supply constraints and production bottlenecks in high-performance memory, which has increased their attractiveness as an easily transportable and high-return material for thieves.
New security risks for companies
In the South Korean incident, the market value of the four stolen memories is estimated at about $1,600, a significant amount considering their small size and ease of concealment.
The incident indicates that computers equipped with transparent or glass cases may be more susceptible to targeting, as high-value components are clearly visible.
With the escalation of this phenomenon, companies may find themselves forced to tighten security measures, whether by concealing sensitive components, restricting physical access, or enhancing monitoring inside the offices, especially as the high demand for DDR5 memories continues in the global market.
