RAM-D (Blank or Very Low-Density RAM) Grade buying scrap price

Learn more about RAM Scrap Classification

RAM-D (Blank or Very Low-Density RAM) Grade

Why Does Some RAM Have Almost No Memory Chips

RAM-D is the lowest standard memory category within the Ohata RAM Classification System. Unlike RAM-C, which is assigned because a module has been damaged, contaminated, or is missing components, RAM-D is assigned because of the module's original design and recoverable material profile.

Most RAM-D modules remain physically complete and can still be easily recognized as memory modules. However, they contain significantly fewer electronic components than standard desktop or laptop RAM.

Typical RAM-D examples include blank RAM, very low-density memory modules, dummy modules, and certain manufacturing or testing modules. These products may have gold-plated edge connectors and an intact printed circuit board (PCB), but their overall component density is considerably lower than RAM-A, RAM-B, or RAM-S.

RAM-D is determined by physical construction rather than memory capacity, DDR generation, operating speed, or manufacturer.

Visual Identification Guide

RAM-D modules can usually be identified through visual inspection of the PCB and component layout. Instead of looking for damage, inspectors evaluate how the module was originally manufactured.

Blank RAM

Blank RAM modules have the appearance of standard memory but contain no memory ICs or only placeholder components. These modules are commonly used for demonstration, manufacturing, equipment testing, or non-functional applications rather than data storage.

Very Low-Density RAM

Very low-density RAM modules contain only a small number of memory ICs compared with standard desktop or laptop memory. Large empty areas on the PCB are often visible, making these modules easy to distinguish from higher-grade RAM.

Common Identification Features

Typical RAM-D characteristics include:

• Gold-plated edge connectors

• Original printed circuit board

• Very few or no memory ICs

• Low overall component density

• Complete module construction

• Standard desktop DIMM or laptop SO-DIMM form factor

Final classification is always confirmed through physical inspection rather than by manufacturer, model number, or memory capacity.

Why RAM-D Has Lower Recycling Value

The recycling value of a memory module depends largely on the quantity of recoverable electronic materials it contains.

Compared with standard RAM, RAM-D generally contains:

• Fewer memory ICs

• Less copper

• Less silicon

• Less recoverable precious metal

• Lower overall component density

For this reason, RAM-D is evaluated separately from higher-density memory modules.

Its lower buying value reflects the original design of the product rather than its age or condition.

Where Is RAM-D Commonly Found

RAM-D modules are commonly recovered from:

• Computer and electronics manufacturers

• Electronic assembly facilities

• Production testing and quality control departments

• Computer repair shops

• Component distributors

• Educational laboratories

• Manufacturing surplus inventories

• Electronic recycling operations

These modules are frequently generated during manufacturing or inventory management rather than normal computer upgrades.

How Does RAM-D Compare with Other RAM Grades

RAM-D is unique because it is classified according to its original construction rather than damage or specialty hardware.

How Should You Prepare RAM-D Before Selling

Preparing RAM-D before delivery helps simplify inspection.

Recommended preparation includes:

• Keep modules complete.

• Do not remove the remaining components.

• Separate RAM-D from other RAM grades.

• Keep modules clean and dry.

• Avoid mixing RAM with CPUs or loose electronic components.

Proper sorting helps inspectors confirm the correct classification more efficiently.

How Does Ohata Confirm RAM-D

Every shipment is individually inspected before pricing is confirmed.

Inspectors evaluate:

• Original module construction

• Component density

• PCB design

• Module completeness

• Physical condition

• Sorting quality

• Quantity submitted

One of the most important inspection steps is determining whether the module was originally manufactured with very low component density or whether components were removed after use.

Modules that originally contained more memory chips but have become incomplete are generally evaluated as RAM-C rather than RAM-D.

Ready to Sell RAM-D 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.