Retailers are getting fed up with a new kind of PC hardware theft: instead of grabbing an entire computer, thieves are targeting the fastest, most valuable parts they can pull out in seconds. As RAM prices remain elevated and supply stays tight, stores are finding it harder to keep fully intact display PCs on the shelf.
Costco is one of the latest retailers responding to the problem. Shoppers have reported that some Costco locations are now removing RAM modules from desktop PC builds that are set up as display units. The goal is simple: if the RAM isn’t installed, it can’t be stolen.
The move comes after multiple incidents where thieves allegedly broke into a PC case and took only the memory, leaving the rest of the system untouched. That kind of hit-and-run theft is becoming more common because RAM is small, easy to pocket, and can be removed quickly without specialized tools. With certain kits selling for several times their normal pricing, it’s become an attractive target for opportunistic criminals.
Costco isn’t stopping with memory, either. Reports also claim the retailer has started pulling graphics cards from display desktops as well. GPUs are another high-dollar component, and like RAM, they can often be removed quickly—making them a prime target on a showroom floor. Some shoppers noted that certain stores had previously tried positioning graphics cards differently or keeping them out of easy reach, but the latest approach is more direct: remove the parts entirely.
One detail that stands out is how thieves may be getting in. While Costco typically requires a membership to shop, a reported case mentioned an Instacart shopper, who may not need a membership to enter in the same way. That can make it easier for bad actors to blend in during busy hours.
For shoppers, the trend is a reminder of how unusual the current PC hardware market has become. RAM and GPUs—already the most expensive parts of many modern gaming and productivity builds—are still selling well above their intended prices in many places. While most buyers are waiting for pricing and availability to normalize, some people are turning to theft, forcing retailers to lock down even their display models.
If this continues, shoppers may see more stripped-down demo PCs, more empty display cases, or units that are powered on for viewing but missing key internal components. For stores, it’s an unfortunate but practical step to keep their inventory from walking out the door one RAM stick at a time.
