Amidst the high cost of RAM, consumers expect to receive precisely what they purchase, especially when it comes to advertised high frequencies. However, RAM modules often operate at their base or stock speeds (e.g., 2,133 MHz for DDR4 and 4,800 MHz for DDR5) by default, requiring manual configuration through XMP/EXPO profiles or BIOS adjustments to reach their advertised speeds. This has led to a class-action lawsuit against Team Group, demanding $1.1 million in compensation for consumers allegedly misled by advertising that implies these higher speeds are attainable without user intervention.
The cost of RAM can sometimes exceed that of a PC’s processor or graphics card, components traditionally considered the most expensive. This trend has been exacerbated recently by a period of scarcity that drove up RAM prices, leading some individuals to opt for older DDR4 memory, thus increasing interest in platforms like AMD’s AM4.
Team Group Accused of Misleading Advertising: Selling RAM at Frequencies Only Reachable with XMP/EXPO and Manual BIOS Settings
Given the current market value of memory, consumers are particularly sensitive to product claims. Team Group, a well-known manufacturer of DRAM and NAND Flash products, faces accusations of deceptive advertising. The company offers RAM modules with very high frequencies, some exceeding 8,000 MHz (MT/s). The lawsuit, filed by Griffin et al. in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, alleges that Team Group implies these speeds are plug-and-play, when in reality they require specific XMP/EXPO profiles or manual BIOS configurations.
Team Group maintains it has not committed any wrongdoing and has not provided false information about its products. The company argues that the use of XMP and EXPO BIOS settings is standard industry practice and should not constitute an infringement or misconduct.
Similar Past Lawsuits Include G.SKILL ($2.4 Million) and CORSAIR ($5.5 Million)
Despite its defense, Team Group has opted to settle the lawsuit by agreeing to pay $1.1 million. U.S. citizens who purchased Team Group DDR3, DDR4, or DDR5 memory in the United States between May 3, 2020, and April 8, 2026, are eligible for compensation. Claimants must submit a claim form by July 7, 2026. Objections are due by June 22, with a final approval hearing scheduled for September 3.
The $1.1 million settlement will be distributed among eligible individual buyers, excluding corporate purchasers. This is not an isolated incident; similar lawsuits have been filed against other memory manufacturers. G.SKILL previously settled a similar case for $2.4 million in early 2026, and CORSAIR paid $5.5 million in compensation for related claims. The success of these previous actions likely encouraged further legal challenges.
