Used RAM - Thoughts?

If there is a problem with the availability, then it is OK to buy used ram (when the price is reasonable), as it is not really prone to breaking. Just test it on your pc, if it works at that frequency and latency, then it should work for many years.
Of course, ideally you should buy it form somone, who is close to you, so you can test it and return if any problems occur.
Also keep in mind, that 2400 MHz is a pretty high frequency for DDR3, so running it does not only depend on the ram sticks but also on your CPU RAM controler and your motherboard, especially while using all 4 slots (so I would recommend buying it only if you can return it without problems or you are OK with loosening your timings if problems occur (not because you are buying used, but because sometimes 4 sticks can make some problems)).

RAM is one of few parts that used ones are worth considering in building gaming PC. But when it comes to vulnerable parts like SSD, HDD and displays, you will take more risks.

Ask for a guarantee or some time to return it if your not happy with it

I wouldn't worry too much about buying used ram sticks, especially if they're newer models. I've only ever once had a stick go bad on me, but the one that did was pretty old with heavy use.

Memory is usually far more durable than logic (CPU/GPU) and storage (HDD, SSD) components. There shouldn't be a problem getting used as long as you don't mix up ECC and non-ECC. Also from experience you can mix vendor types, though it's not ideal to do so. Just try to keep each channel consistently fitted (ex ch.1 has Corsair+Kingston, ch.2 Corsair+Kingston instead of ch.1 Corsair+Corsair and ch.2 Kingston+Kingston). Matching memory speed first (important) and then CAS latency second (not so important) matters more than vendor (not really important).

I have 16g ddr4 3000mhz and it definitely not worth buying. I've mostly never used more than 1/2 of it. Common usage is 1/4. Operating system needs only 300mb- my system is highly efficient by using any of resources so windowsOS that just eats everything you will give to it and dunno how to correctly use your resources isn't my choice. I've playing some of games too- for now mostly Dying Light so I dunno why you need more than 16g in gaming PC.

Or you can also live with 16 GB for a little while, and upgrade a bit later... I too use 32, but I've dealt with 16 until not long ago and basically it was fine as long as I was careful not to keep too much stuff opened (web browsers are sadly large offenders in that area).

But yeah, as others said, RAM is pretty durable in general, so as long as you test it right when you buy it you should be good with used sticks.

Match the voltage too.
Most likely the RAM will be fine, but a bad stick can corrupt files (including the OS). Run a 24 hour test on the memory from a CD or a different computer that accepts the RAM.

I'm been making my own PCs for decades now, and I run them a long time before upgrading/replacing them. I've had drives, displays, motherboards, GPUs all die, but never RAM. Granted, eBay is never 100% safe, but if the seller has good volume (in PC components) and solid feedback, and especially offers any sort of purchaser protection, I'd have little to no reservations.

RAM is really one of the few components that are hard to mess with. So it's after cases the safest thing to buy...

I only say no because you need to find the EXACT SAME STICKS as the ones you own or you will either gimp your memory or lose out on the extra performance since it operates at the lowest specs of your sticks. If you replace all your new memory from the same package, then good going.

It's Ebay, if it doesn't come exactly as described in working condition, ask for a full refund including original shipping and a paid return label. If the seller refuses, Ebay will still give you a full refund without returning the item. If the seller writes something in the description like "as is" or "no returns", you can completely ignore it, it is not allowed on Ebay and means nothing. If they do not list the item as "for parts" or "not working", it must arrive in working condition. They have the right to refuse returns for other reasons though, such as if you order the wrong thing or just change your mind.

I wouldn't be too worried about used RAM failing, I don't think it is common for RAM to wear out and very few people overclock RAM. Just make sure to buy the same exact type of RAM you have now that is rated for the same speed, timings, and voltage to have the best chance of working together.

I've bought ram from aliexpress and they all worked (and still work) perfectly. Buying used pc parts from aliexpress is not even used per se, because you can never know what the product you're gonna get has gone through. So it's more like super used. So, yeah. Used ram is as safe as used pc components get.

it's always reasonable to buy the exact same ram (kit) a second time when you want to upgrade.
as long as your board has enough slots obviously.

however on a mature platform and with the newest bios installed you shouldn't have too many problems with ram (in)compatibility.
but since you are going for the 2400mhz speed crown identical ram in all slots is kind of mandatory. most memory controllers really don't like mixed and matched memory sticks at high frequencies and with all slots populated.

buying used is always an option. either the sticks work or they don't.
last summer i bought my gtx 970 used as well and it was a bargain. however i would never buy used & abused hdd or ssd.
if you're having a really hard time finding the exact same memory sticks again you could consider selling off your kit and get two new (or used) kits instead.

Try downloading it.

my experience with used ram is limited to these cases:

• ddr2 for my present pc bought at CEX store, the stick was faulty and they changed for another one that worked.
• very old ram and vram for retrocomputing, it all worked until the old logic board died because of capacitor failure.
  in both cases used ram was the only way.

ddr3, no way jose

buy a ddr4 pc

Not worth it unless you're 100% sure you can return it no problem for a full refund if it doesn't work.

Good RAMs always have lifetime guarantee and refund policy, if yours doesn't it's not worth picking, and if it does you'll have no issues even with used ones, as long as you make sure to also ask for all related documents. So yes, it's one of the very few elements that are worth getting used, just pay attention to all the details.

I'm using 24GB of used RAM from eBay no problems here. I ran memtest86+ for a solid week with zero errors. (I am paranoid about RAM errors and also took this time to let my thermal paste cure). I'm running a used Xeon CPU from eBay also in the same system. :)

Obviously your mileage may vary.

As others have said if you are adding RAM be sure to buy exactly the same RAM. Not just same brand and model name and speed, but same part number. You can probably get away with mixing, depending on your motherboard/CPU combination (some are more forgiving than others) but for optimal stability and performance it should ideally all match.

buy everything used all the time if it has a nice discount. 😁 except hdd/ssd and underwear 🤔

Do you need more for anything RAM heavy other than gaming? Because 16 is 100% enough for the foreseeable future for games.

As long as you pay with Paypal it is great to buy used on Ebay. Any issues at all and Paypal will refund you 100% if the seller does not.

However, unless you are OCD and/or have a window in your PC as long as the speed and timings match they will all run fine together, even if the brand is different.

But yea, Ebay is not scary at all, all the power rests in the buyer. Paypal always sides with the buyer so sellers will bend over backwards to make you happy and avoid any problems.

I do content creation and have 16gb of ram. I've run out of ram many times before, but because I'm moving more into programming now (in which the tools I'm building don't need a lot of ram) I haven't bothered to upgrade. For any 3D work 16GB of main system ram is essentially the minimum, but 32GB+ is where you should really be at.

As for buying used...ram goes bad more often then people think (Years ago I did computer repair and saw ram related issues quite a few times), so be sure to buy from someoneone with a good return policy and run memtest on it to be sure you got a good one.

Build it with 16. Buy the 2nd pair of sticks later when money is not so tight or when prices come down a bit. No harm at all in doing it this way.