RAM-B (Shielded/Silver-Edge/Trimmed RAM) Grade buying scrap price

Learn more about identifying and sorting RAM-B (Shielded/Silver-Edge/Trimmed RAM) Grade in our Wiki: RAM-B Shielded, Silver Edge & Trimmed RAM Scrap Classification | Ohata Wiki

Learn more about: Ohata RAM Scrap Classification Guide | RAM-S, RAM-A, RAM-B, RAM-C & RAM-D

Introduction, Construction, Components, and Recycling Value

Products in this category may include desktop DIMMs, laptop SO-DIMMs, server memory, and other removable memory modules from different production periods. Specifications such as DDR generation, storage capacity, operating frequency, or current resale value do not independently determine the recycling grade. Grading primarily depends on the module’s physical construction, contact design, component population, recoverable-metal content, completeness, and condition.

A typical RAM module contains a multilayer printed circuit board, memory chips, solder joints, resistors, capacitors, and an edge connector. Some server modules also contain registers, buffers, or components that support error correction. Copper is present in the PCB tracks and internal conductive layers that connect the memory chips to the computer.

RAM-B Grade includes several types of memory that do not meet the RAM-S or RAM-A requirements. This may include modules with aluminum heat spreaders or shields, silver- or tin-colored edge contacts, or previously trimmed contact sections. Because RAM-B includes different constructions, gold-plated contacts are not required on every qualifying module.

Recoverable metals may include:

• Copper from PCB tracks, internal layers, and component connections

• Gold from remaining plated contacts and certain electronic components

• Nickel from plated surfaces and barrier layers

• Tin and small quantities of silver from solder and conductive materials

• Trace quantities of palladium in some electronic components

• Aluminum from attached heat spreaders or shields

The type and concentration of these materials vary by module. Ohata therefore assigns the grade according to physical construction, connector finish, attachments, component population, completeness, and condition rather than estimating a fixed metal yield from appearance alone.

Ohata RAM-B Grade Classification and Identification Guide

RAM-B Grade is determined through physical inspection rather than brand, model, capacity, speed, or DDR generation. Modules from different manufacturers and production periods may receive the same grade when they meet the same Ohata classification requirements.

RAM-B Grade may include:

1. Shielded RAM: Modules with aluminum heat spreaders, shields, or similar attached coverings.

2. Silver-edge RAM: Modules with silver- or tin-colored edge contacts rather than standard gold-plated contacts.

3. Trimmed RAM: Modules with previously cut or removed contact sections that remain recognizable as memory.

4. Modules with major components present: The memory chips and other important electronic components should generally remain attached.

5. Modules in acceptable condition: Normal labels, light dust, minor scratches, and ordinary handling wear may be acceptable.

6. Material without severe contamination: Heavy mud, oil, chemicals, hazardous residue, batteries, and unrelated attachments may affect classification or result in rejection.

Customers do not need to remove heat spreaders or shields before delivery. Previously trimmed modules may qualify for RAM-B Grade, but modules should not be cut or trimmed to prepare them for sale.

DDR generation is only one identification detail. A newer module is not automatically assigned a higher grade, and an older module is not automatically more valuable. Final classification considers the module’s construction, connector finish, installed components, attachments, completeness, and condition.

For accurate evaluation, please keep RAM-B modules separate from RAM-S, RAM-A, lower-grade memory, broken boards, blank modules, and unrelated electronic material. Mixed loads may require additional sorting and may receive a different classification.

Recoverable Materials, Buying Standards, and Handling

RAM-B is purchased as recyclable electronic material, so the modules do not need to function. Testing memory capacity, operating speed, or compatibility is generally unnecessary for scrap evaluation. Final classification, measured weight, and buying value are confirmed through physical inspection.

To qualify for the standard B Grade buying price, RAM should be delivered complete, clean, dry, and reasonably sorted. Brand labels and original identification stickers may remain attached. Ordinary labels usually do not affect classification unless they conceal damage, contamination, or evidence that components have been removed.

The following conditions may cause a downgrade:

• Gold fingers that have been cut, sanded, heavily worn, or removed

• Missing memory ICs or other important electronic components

• Broken, cracked, crushed, or severely bent PCBs

• Heavy corrosion, fire damage, or extensive heat discoloration

• Excessive dirt, oil, mud, adhesive, or mixed non-RAM material

• Mixed RAM grades that require additional sorting

• Incomplete modules produced by prior manual dismantling

Severely burned, chemically contaminated, or hazardous material may be rejected instead of downgraded. Final acceptance depends on the actual condition of the shipment.

RAM should be stored in a dry container and protected from rain, saltwater, chemical exposure, and excessive mechanical pressure. Suppliers should not burn the boards, grind the contacts, remove chips, or attempt chemical gold recovery. Such processing creates safety risks and usually reduces the material’s commercial recycling value.

For larger shipments, separate bags or containers should be used for different Ohata grades. Clear labeling—such as “RAM B Grade”—helps speed up inspection, weighing, and settlement. Higher-grade memory should never be mixed with lower-grade or damaged modules if the supplier wants to preserve its full classification value.

Comparison and Ohata Classification

RAM-B Grade is a separate category for memory modules with physical characteristics that prevent them from qualifying for RAM-S or RAM-A Grade. Common examples include modules with aluminum heat spreaders or shields, silver- or tin-colored edge contacts, and previously trimmed contact sections.

RAM-S Grade primarily includes qualifying server or enterprise memory with gold-plated contacts, ECC or registered characteristics, and high component density. RAM-A Grade generally includes standard desktop DIMMs and laptop SO-DIMMs with intact gold-plated edge contacts.

RAM-B Grade may include desktop, laptop, or server memory when its connector finish, attached shielding, or trimmed condition matches the RAM-B requirements. It is not defined only by having a lower metal concentration. Its classification reflects the module’s construction, attachments, connector type, completeness, condition, and processing requirements.

Broken, heavily contaminated, burned, stripped, or substantially incomplete modules may receive RAM-C Grade or another lower classification. Blank or nearly blank memory boards may receive RAM-D Grade. Severely burned, hazardous, or unidentifiable material may be rejected.

Once a module is confirmed as RAM-B Grade, it is evaluated at the applicable RAM-B Grade price. Brand and model do not determine the price by themselves. Classification considers the module’s construction, connector finish, attachments, components, completeness, condition, contamination, and processing requirements.

Learn more about Ohata's RAM recycling classifications

RAM-S(Gold finer server RAM) Grade

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

RAM-B(shelded/silver edge/trimmed RAM) Grade

RAM-C(mix and damaged RAM) Grade

RAM-D(mix and damaged RAM) Grade