Corsair Faces Backlash After Allegedly Offsetting DDR5 Discounts with Stealth Price Hikes

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Corsair Dominator DDR5 RAM.

Corsair, a leading name in PC gaming components, finds itself in hot water with its customer base yet again. This time, the controversy involves a sequence of events surrounding DDR5 memory pricing that has left the PC building community feeling misled and frustrated. The issue centers on what appears to be quiet price increases applied just days after the company issued substantial discount codes to appease customers over a separate order cancellation fiasco.

The Spark: Canceled Orders and a "Pricing Mistake"

The chain of events began when Corsair abruptly canceled a number of customer orders for DDR5 RAM kits. The company attributed the cancellations to a "pricing mistake" in its system. Customers who had received order confirmations saw their purchases voided days later, a move that ignited immediate backlash. For many in the PC community, the principle is clear: if an order is confirmed at a listed price, a company should honor it, even if it results in a loss.

In an initial attempt to quell the anger, Corsair offered affected customers a 15% discount code for a future purchase. The community's response was tepid at best, with many viewing the gesture as insufficient. As criticism continued to swell across forums and social media, Corsair upped the offer, issuing 40% discount codes as a goodwill gesture.

The Twist: Prices Quietly Creep Upward

The plot thickened just two days after the 40% coupons landed in users' inboxes. Astute customers and price-tracking communities began noticing that Corsair had quietly increased the listed prices of several high-end DDR5 memory kits on its official store.

The timing raised immediate red flags. The net effect of these increases significantly dilutes the value of the generous-sounding 40% discount, leading many to believe the move was calculated.

A Concrete Example: Vengeance 64GB Kit
Take the Corsair Vengeance 64GB (2x32GB) DDR5 DRAM 6000MT/s CL30 AMD EXPO Memory Kit (CMK64gx5m2b6000z30). According to a snapshot preserved on the Wayback Machine, this kit was listed at $841.99 just prior to the coupon distribution. While undeniably a premium price—reflective of the ongoing DRAM market surges driven by AI demand—it was the established cost.

Shortly after the 40% codes were issued, the price for the same exact kit jumped to $1,071.99—an increase of roughly $230.

The Pattern Continues: Dominator Titanium Kit
This was not an isolated incident. The high-end Corsair Dominator Titanium RGB 48GB (2x24GB) DDR5 DRAM 7000MT/s CL36 Intel XMP Memory Kit saw a similar adjustment. Its price moved from $647.99 to a new listed price of $819.99.

The result? A customer using a 40% discount code on the now-inflated price may end paying an amount startlingly close to—or in some calculations, even more than—the original pre-discount price. This has led to accusations that the "goodwill gesture" is effectively hollow, a perception worsened by the lack of any official communication about the price adjustments.

A Pattern of Recent Controversies

This DDR5 pricing saga is the latest in a string of customer relations issues for Corsair in recent weeks. Just prior to this, the company faced criticism when a customer reported ordering a Corsair prebuilt gaming PC on December 31st, receiving confirmation, only to have the order canceled without explanation. The same system was reportedly relisted on Corsair's site shortly after for $800 more.

For a community that values transparency and fair dealing, these consecutive incidents are damaging. The PC building market is fiercely competitive, and trust is a key currency. The perception that a major vendor might use a public apology and discount offer to mask a subsequent price increase strikes at the heart of that trust.

Corsair has not yet issued a public statement regarding the recent DDR5 price changes. As of now, the increased prices remain live on their store, and the 40% discount codes are active for affected users, creating a confusing and contentious situation for customers trying to determine if they're actually getting a deal.

Corsair Vengeance 64GB DDR5 RAM kit previous price.

Corsair Vengeance 64GB DDR5 RAM kit current price.

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