Hey everyone, I'm building my first gaming PC and received my components this week. I ordered a new RAM kit, but it arrived in a thin bubble mailer and the box was a bit damaged, which made me inspect it closely. While checking the pins, I noticed some faint vertical scratches on them. I've linked some photos so you can see what I'm talking about. My concern is whether these marks mean I've been sold used RAM, even though the model numbers match the packaging and what I ordered. Can anyone help me figure out what those scratches might be from?
5 Answers
Oh no, used RAM? You might need to get your computer tested now. Just to be sure!
You might want to check the serial numbers on the manufacturer's site. If it registers as 'new' and works fine, those marks could just be from testing. But keep in mind that the warranty might only be valid if bought from an authorized seller.
If it works, it works! As long as you're getting the performance you expected, those scratches might not be a big deal.
Generally, RAM is tested before it’s shipped. Just because it has some scratches doesn't necessarily mean it's used. Can you share the website or vendor you bought it from?
Try using CPU-Z to check the manufacturing date of the RAM. If it’s a few years old, then yeah, it might have been used. But if it works for you now, that’s what really matters!
I got it from Amazon Marketplace, but it wasn't sold by Amazon directly, which I didn't realize. I'll check the serials ASAP!