Memory vendor under fire for imposing hefty 15% depreciation fee on returns despite skyrocketing RAM value — user expected RMA replacement but gets hit with a loss instead

Source: Tom’s Hardware

Image credit: Silicon Power

User Complaint

A Reddit user posted in the PCMR subreddit to complain about the RMA process for their broken Silicon Power RAM. According to u/permanentlytemporary, they experienced a problem with a 2 × 8 GB kit that they bought for $54.97. Silicon Power reportedly charged the user a 15 % depreciation fee on the return. While the purchase date wasn’t specified, the price suggests the purchase occurred before the recent memory shortage, likely in the third quarter of last year.

Company Policy

Silicon Power’s warranty policy states:

“If a product is confirmed to be defective under this (sic) our Limited Warranty, we will, at our sole discretion, provide one of the following remedies… A partial refund of the original purchase price. Any refund amount shall be determined by us based on factors including, but not limited to, product availability, length of product use, the extent of damage, or other reasonable business considerations. Cash refunds equal to the original purchase amount are not guaranteed.”

The policy lists two other possible remedies: a full replacement of the defective product or a full refund of the original purchase price. It is unclear why Silicon Power chose the partial refund option in this case.

Impact on the User

The Redditor has already purchased replacement RAM, so the partial refund will not prevent them from using their PC. However, they expressed disappointment because the refund amount won’t even cover the cost of a single 8 GB Silicon Power DDR4‑3200 stick, which currently costs $69.97 on Amazon (link). The user feels forced to accept the deal to avoid the hassle of navigating Silicon Power’s RMA system again, describing the experience as feeling “like it was from 2002.”