RAM (RAM)

RAM stands for random access memory, the temporary working memory of a computer that holds active program code and data while the system is powered on. Physically, RAM appears in modular sticks (DIMMs for desktops, SO-DIMMs for laptops) that plug into motherboard sockets. Memory sticks are a distinct and high-value sub-stream within e-waste because their construction packs precious metals into a small, easily segregated form factor.

Construction and metal content: A standard 8-16 GB DDR4 or DDR5 desktop DIMM weighs 8-15 grams. The board is a thin printed circuit with 8-16 DRAM chips soldered on one or both sides, plus a small SPD configuration chip and discrete passives. The defining feature for recyclers is the row of gold-plated edge connectors (fingers) at the bottom of each stick — typically 240-288 contacts plated with 0.2-0.5 micrometres of gold over a nickel barrier on copper. This dense gold-on-copper finish makes RAM sticks one of the highest precious-metal-per-gram fractions in the entire e-waste stream.

Concentration figures: Pure gold-finger RAM scrap yields 800-1,400 grams of gold per tonne, plus 1,500-3,000 grams of silver per tonne (from the wire bonds inside the DRAM chips) and 50-100 grams of palladium. At recent metal prices, this represents Rs 40-70 lakh INR of gross precious-metal value per tonne of clean RAM scrap. Indian PCB processors pay Rs 4,000-8,000 per kg for clean, sorted RAM lots, against Rs 800-1,500 per kg for mixed motherboard PCB. Server RAM (registered DIMMs with additional buffer chips) commands an even higher premium.

Segregation procedure: Manual dismantlers identify and remove RAM in 10-20 seconds per stick. A well-organised line sorts RAM by generation (DDR/DDR2/DDR3 versus DDR4/DDR5), by form factor (desktop versus laptop), and by working condition. Functional sticks have a strong secondary-market value in India — used DDR4 16 GB modules retail at Rs 1,800-3,500 each in repair shops — so test-bench grading before destructive recovery raises total revenue by 2-3 times for tested-working lots. Failure modes include mixing RAM with mixed motherboard PCB at the gate, which destroys the grade premium.