What is 'fake' RAM?

If you're building a PC, chances are you'll have dual-channel memory with two sticks of RAM. However, when you're done, you'll likely be left with empty RAM slots. While you should use them to add more RAM, many people use "dummy" RAM sticks instead.

What is "fake" RAM?

As the name suggests, 'fake' RAM looks like real RAM but doesn't have any memory chips inside. Instead, it's just a stick of memory that sits in empty RAM slots on your motherboard and integrates into the CPU RGB lighting, if present.

Most modern motherboards have at least 4 RAM slots, and you'll most likely only get a 2x16GB kit for a total of 32GB of RAM running in dual-channel. This leaves at least two RAM slots empty in most people's cases.

Despite the practicality, empty RAM slots look ugly, especially if you spend weeks, if not months, sourcing parts that fit a certain theme and cable management to keep your build as clean as possible. If all you have left are a few RAM slots that make your build look ugly, 'fake' RAM can help.

While they don't improve the amount of memory and performance of your PC, "fake" RAM serves at least two functions. First, they often come with addressable RGB, meaning they can add a lackluster RGB effect to empty RAM slots, and second, they act as a protective coating for those empty slots, protecting them from dust and debris over time.

'Fake' RAM is also often referred to as 'RGB enhancer' or 'RGB filler' and is sold alongside real RAM, so if you can find it cheap, it might not be such a bad idea.

Why not buy regular RAM?

One of the first questions that comes to mind when you hear about 'fake' RAM is 'why not just buy the real thing?'. PC memory has become surprisingly cheap, and unless you want the latest and greatest specs with RGB, you can find a pretty good price for it, especially since 'fake' RAM can be more expensive in some cases.

There are a few things to consider here. First, it's really hard to find a stick of RAM that fits your performance, capacity, and budget preferences.

Most people only need 32GB of RAM, so a dual 16GB kit will be all you need. If you need 64GB, two 32GB sticks will be enough. Dual-channel RAM is usually the best way to go. So you don't need too many sticks of RAM.

The cost per GB of memory also decreases as you consider higher capacity sticks of memory, so in most cases you'll be better off buying fewer high capacity sticks than many lower capacity sticks.

Additionally, you may want the option to upgrade later without having to remove all of the RAM you previously purchased. For example, you may want to buy two 8GB sticks for 16GB dual-channel memory, which can be upgraded to 32GB when you buy two more 8GB sticks for a quality channel setup.

Putting as much RAM as possible in your PC may not always be the best idea, as fast RAM is often better than lots of RAM. Buying more regular RAM isn't always a good idea, but it still adds RAM and therefore increases the performance of your PC.

Should I install "fake" RAM in my PC?

Fake RAM kits aren't cheap. They start at around $30—a price you can easily find for real sticks of RAM for just a little more.

Unless you're so pleased with the aesthetics of "fake" RAM that you're willing to pay close to the price of a real kit, you shouldn't buy it. "Fake" RAM is mostly a cosmetic item, and since most computer cases are sealed, you probably don't need any "covers" for your empty RAM slots.

Jessica Tanner

Update 08 October 2024