About to make an order-DDR4 3200 16 GB (2x8GB) out of stock for DIY but in stock for pre-built. Why?

[Reddiot2022]

So about to order the DIY 13 inch Framework with Intel 13 gen but it seems like at least for this configuration Framework is all out of DDR4 3200 16 GB (2x8GB). Only have one 16 GB stick as an option. And due to 1x16GB being worse than 2x8GB am understandably pissed off. However, I took a look at the pre-built option and it seems like the performance option comes with DDR4 3200 16 GB (2x8GB). The question is why is that? Why does it show “out of stock” for such RAM configuration for DIY and in stock for pre-built? Is this an error?

[Kyle_Reis]

@Reddiot2022

The question is why is that? Why does it show “out of stock” for such RAM configuration for DIY and in stock for pre-built?

Ram manufacturers restrict what ram modules are allowed to be used for. Some modules Framework is only allowed to use in pre-built machines while other modules Framework is only allowed to sell to customers for customers to install themselves.

With DDR5 (which is used in the current AMD based Framework laptops and the upcoming Intel Core Ultra based Framework laptops) Framework has worked out a deal with ADATA for ram modules that Framework can use in whatever way Framework wants (and has Framework’s name on the modules), but that doesn’t apply to DDR4 modules like the Intel 13th gen laptops use.

Although even with modules that Framework can use however they want that wouldn’t necessarily prevent the issue you’re seeing. To reduce handling times Framework builds the pre-built laptops ahead of time. That means that it is possible for them to end up in a situation where they run out of ram modules that are ready to put in the box for a DIY edition order but they have a bunch of already packaged (ready to sell) pre-built laptops with ram in them. In that instance it probably isn’t worth the employee labor to unbox and disassemble those already built laptops, so they will just wait for a new batch of ram modules from the ram manufacturer before it is available in DIY models.

[inffy]

You can get the RAM cheaper from other places like amazon etc

[amoun]

@Kyle_Reis

To reduce handling times Framework builds the pre-built laptops ahead of time. That means that it is possible for them to end up in a situation where they run out of ram modules that are ready to put in the box for a DIY edition order but they have a bunch of already packaged (ready to sell) pre-built laptops with ram in them. In that instance it probably isn’t worth the employee labor to unbox and disassemble those already built laptops, so they will just wait for a new batch of ram modules from the ram manufacturer before it is available in DIY models.

Yes that what I was thinking an obvious stocking issue, which won’t effect Pre-builds