A Russian hardware enthusiast, known as Vik-on, has garnered attention within the tech community for successfully creating his own DDR5 memory modules from scratch. This innovative undertaking was primarily driven by the ongoing global shortage and skyrocketing prices of DDR5 RAM. Vik-on, a modder with prior experience in GPU VRAM upgrades, sourced bare DDR5 PCBs from Chinese marketplaces and utilized salvaged memory chips, often from laptop SO-DIMM modules, to assemble functional desktop DIMMs. The project culminated in a 32GB DDR5 module capable of running at 6400 MT/s with XMP support, demonstrating the technical feasibility of this do-it-yourself approach. While the initial article from VideoCardz.com claimed savings of $600 to $800 per module, corroborating sources indicate that the actual cost-saving is significantly less, around $130 for a 32GB stick, bringing the total cost to approximately $218. Other reports suggest that for a 16GB module, the cost might be similar to retail prices, or offer a modest 20-30% saving even when using new components. The process is highly technical, requiring advanced soldering skills, Ball Grid Array (BGA) rework equipment, and in-depth knowledge of memory layouts and SPD programming to ensure system recognition. Despite the ingenuity, this method is primarily for skilled enthusiasts and is not currently seen as a cost-effective solution for mass production or the average consumer. The story highlights the extreme measures some individuals are taking to combat supply chain issues and inflated prices in the semiconductor market, which continue to impact PC builders and consumers globally.