RAM-A (Gold finger desktop and laptop RAM) Grade buying scrap price

Learn more about RAM Scrap Classification

RAM-A (Gold finger desktop and laptop RAM) Grade

What Is Standard Computer RAM?

RAM-A is the standard consumer memory category within the Ohata RAM Classification System. It includes the desktop and laptop memory modules most commonly found in home computers, office PCs, gaming systems, educational institutions, repair shops, and corporate computer replacement programs.

Unlike traditional computer specifications, RAM-A is not classified by memory capacity, DDR generation, clock speed, or brand. Instead, inspectors evaluate the module's physical construction, gold-plated edge connectors, component completeness, PCB condition, and recoverable material profile.

Most complete desktop DIMMs and laptop SO-DIMMs with original memory chips and gold fingers qualify for RAM-A after inspection.

Comparison of RAM Grades

Although the five grades may appear similar, they are distinguished by their engineering characteristics and physical condition.

Desktop RAM vs Laptop RAM

Although desktop and laptop memory modules have different sizes, both belong to RAM-A when their physical construction meets the Ohata RAM Classification requirements.

Desktop DIMM

Desktop DIMMs are longer memory modules typically installed in desktop computers and gaming PCs. They usually contain multiple memory ICs mounted on one or both sides of the PCB and feature gold-plated edge connectors.

Laptop SO-DIMM

Laptop SO-DIMMs are shorter, more compact memory modules designed for notebook computers and small form factor systems. Despite their smaller size, they are evaluated using the same RAM-A classification standards.

Module size does not affect the RAM grade. Desktop and laptop memory are classified according to their construction and recoverable material content rather than their physical dimensions.

Quick Visual Checklist

Your memory module will generally qualify as RAM-A if it has:

✔ Original gold-plated edge connectors (gold fingers)

✔ Memory ICs still attached

✔ Original printed circuit board

✔ No major physical damage

✔ Desktop DIMM or laptop SO-DIMM form factor

✔ Standard consumer memory construction

Final grading is always confirmed through physical inspection.

What Does Not Qualify as RAM-A?

Some memory modules belong to other Ohata RAM grades because of their construction or condition.

Correctly separating RAM before delivery helps improve inspection efficiency and allows each material to receive an appropriate evaluation.

Buying Conditions

Original Memory Chips

Memory modules should retain their original memory ICs. Modules with missing chips may receive a lower purchasing value.

Gold Finger Condition

The gold-plated edge connectors should remain intact. Excessive wear, cuts, or severe corrosion may affect grading.

Decorative Heat Spreaders

Many gaming memory modules use aluminum heat spreaders for cooling. Whenever practical, these should be removed before delivery to improve inspection efficiency.

Mixed Memory

Desktop and laptop RAM may be delivered together, but separating RAM-A from server memory, damaged modules, and other RAM grades helps speed up inspection.

Final Evaluation

Every shipment is individually inspected. Final purchasing values are determined by module construction, completeness, condition, quantity, and current market conditions.

Common RAM We Receive at Ohata Resource Canada

Most RAM-A shipments received by Ohata Resource Canada consist of mixed desktop and laptop memory removed during office computer upgrades, school replacement programs, IT asset disposition (ITAD) projects, and residential computer recycling.

Our inspection team frequently receives DDR3 and DDR4 memory together in the same shipment. Decorative aluminum heat spreaders and plastic covers often require additional handling, so removing them beforehand helps improve inspection efficiency and allows modules to be classified more quickly.

Official Ohata RAM-A Classification Statement

A memory module may be officially classified as RAM-A Grade when its physical construction, gold-plated edge connectors, recoverable material profile, completeness, and overall condition satisfy the requirements of the Ohata RAM Classification System.

RAM-A primarily includes standard desktop DIMMs and laptop SO-DIMMs with original memory ICs and gold fingers. Classification is determined through physical inspection rather than memory capacity, DDR generation, operating speed, manufacturer, or original retail value. Final purchasing prices are confirmed according to current market conditions and the official Ohata RAM Classification System.

Ready to Sell RAM-A in Richmond?

Once you believe your processors match the item's characteristics, you don’t need to confirm the final grade yourself. The next step is simply to check the current buying information, keep the processors intact and prepare them for inspection.

STEP 1 – Check Today’s Buying Prices and Sort Your Materials

Before visiting our Richmond yard, please review the latest Canadian e-scrap buying prices and identification guides in the Ohata Scrap Wiki.

You can also use Ohata.AI Vision 1.0 Beta 1.0 to investigate an unfamiliar circuit board. Upload a clear photograph, and the tool can analyze visible features, such as the board’s shape, CPU socket, integrated circuits, connectors and component layout, to suggest what type of board it may be.

Buying prices and conditions may change with the market, so checking the applicable item page before you leave can help you understand how your material should be prepared.

Whenever practical, separate your e-scrap into groups such as:

• Computer motherboards

• Hard drives and HDD controller boards

• Server boards

• Laptop motherboards and logic boards

• Telecommunications boards

• CPUs and memory modules

• Power supplies and cables

• Other or uncertain electronic scrap

You don’t need to assign every item a final grade yourself. If something is unfamiliar, keep it in an “uncertain” group and use Ohata.AI for a preliminary photo-based identification.

Walk-ins are welcome during regular business hours, and no appointment is required for most ordinary drop-offs.

If you have a large commercial load, palletized shipment or an unusual type of material, please contact the Richmond team before visiting so we can prepare for your arrival.

STEP 2 – Bring Your E-Scrap and Valid Government-Issued Photo ID

Please bring your electronic scrap together with a valid government-issued photo ID.

Examples may include:

• British Columbia Driver’s Licence

• BC Identification Card

• BC Services Card with photo

• Canadian passport

• Permanent Resident Card

• Other valid government-issued photo identification

Business sellers may also be asked to provide company information or supporting documentation when applicable.

Clearly separated and labelled material is usually quicker to inspect. If possible, prepare the approximate weight and quantity for each group before visiting.

Please also remember that computers, servers, hard drives and solid-state drives may contain personal or business information. Back up anything you need and follow your own data-security requirements before the equipment leaves your control.

STEP 3 – Visit Our Richmond E-Scrap Buying Yard

Our Richmond yard is located at 11220 Voyageur Way, Unit 7, Richmond, BC, V6X 3E1. Before leaving, you can check the route and current traffic information through Google Maps.

1. Look for the Ohata sign

When you arrive at the property, first look for the Ohata Resource Canada Inc. sign on the building. Once you find it, continue around to the rear of the building, where our warehouse entrance is located.

When you see this sign, continue around to the rear of the building.

2. Continue to the Rear Warehouse Entrance

Drive carefully around the building and look for the vertical Ohata sign beside the rear entrance. This vertical sign is the easiest landmark for finding our receiving warehouse.

Follow the route around the building to reach the warehouse.

The vertical Ohata sign identifies the correct warehouse entrance.

3. Park Directly in Front of the Warehouse

If you arrive by car, you may park directly in front of the Ohata warehouse entrance while your e-scrap is being received.

Once you reach the warehouse, please park and wait there. A member of our team will come to assist you with your material.

If you have difficulty finding the rear entrance, please call or message us:

Telephone and WhatsApp: +1 (236) 888-1086

For large commercial loads or palletized shipments, please contact the Richmond team before visiting so we can prepare for unloading.

When you arrive:

• Bring smaller quantities to the receiving area.

• Ask a staff member for assistance with heavy or larger loads.

• Our team will inspect, sort and weigh the material.

• The applicable buying category and condition will be confirmed.

• The final buying price will be determined after physical inspection.

• Payment will be processed according to the current purchasing policy.

Walk-in customers are welcome during regular business hours. Most visits don’t require an appointment, but advance contact is recommended for commercial, palletized or unusually large loads.

You can review directions, parking and visitor information on the Richmond yard access page.

Helpful Tips Before Your Richmond Visit

• Check the current Canadian buying prices before travelling.

• Use Ohata.AI when you need help identifying an unfamiliar item.

• Take clear front-and-back photographs before requesting an initial review.

• Separate different board and equipment categories whenever practical.

• Keep damaged, wet, burned, corroded or contaminated items separate.

• Remove unrelated garbage and unnecessary packaging.

• Don’t cut boards or remove major components unless you understand how the separated materials will be evaluated.

• Back up and erase data-bearing devices according to your requirements.

• Bring valid government-issued photo identification.

• Contact Ohata Resource Canada Inc. before bringing a large commercial or palletized load.

Published online prices are references and may change. Final acceptance, classification, measured weight and buying price are determined after physical inspection.