Don't think RAM is expensive enough yet? DDR5 sticks with a triple-fan cooler on top will be shown off at CES 2026

• Origin Code will demo its new Vortex DDR5 memory at CES 2026
• This RAM has a triple-fan cooling solution (which is removable)
• That active fan cooling promises to offer 40% better performance than passive cooling, but given the RAM crisis, expect this memory to be seriously costly

Origin Code is a lesser-known RAM brand that has a rather novel take on DDR5 RAM modules that the firm is planning on debuting at CES 2026.

We've heard about Origin Code's Vortex DDR5 memory before, but the manufacturer will be demonstrating the RAM at CES in January, as VideoCardz reports – and the unique touch here is that the memory has a three-fan cooling system.

We can expect demos focused on "sustained overclocking" in real-world workloads, showcasing what Vortex DDR5 can do.

The active cooling for this memory is a triple-fan unit that mounts on top of the RAM modules and is removable. The available kits start from 2 x 16GB modules (32GB total), going up to quad configurations such as 4 x 48GB (for a total of 192GB).

We might also get pricing details from Origin Code at CES 2026, and needless to say, given the current price crisis with RAM, which has hit a ridiculous high at a jaw-dropping pace, this could be a shock.

Analysis: Honey, I shrunk the graphics card fans

Regarding that price, this is fancy, high-end RAM – which is already getting stupidly expensive, as noted – with an innovative custom active cooling system on top, so there's no telling how high the cost might run. Expect something along eye-watering lines, naturally.

Is a cooling system like this even necessary for system memory? Well, obviously, it's somewhat over-the-top, but it could be valuable for enthusiasts, who are the target audience, perhaps.

Origin Code is clearly confident it'll make a difference for high-end PC builds, seeing as the company is going to be showing off an active versus passive cooling comparison to demonstrate the effectiveness of the former. The marketing claim is that the fans offer a 40% improvement in cooling performance, presumably compared with passive cooling when the fan unit is removed.

And I've got to admit: making your RAM look like a little graphics card, nestling in the middle of your motherboard with those three fans atop the modules, is pretty cool in terms of pure visual appeal. But yes – that price is going to be quite something to see, no doubt (if we see pricing at all).

Although you could view this product from another perspective regarding cost, namely that a few months ago a cooling add-on like this would've jacked up the price of DDR5 modules considerably.

Whereas now, the RAM sticks themselves are going to be so expensive, that the triple-fan topper isn't going to mean nearly as much of a hike in percentage terms compared to the total cost of the Vortex memory. So this innovation kind of makes sense in the contemporary market, in a strange way.

The best SSDs for all budgets

➡️ Read our full guide to the best SSD
1. Best overall:
WD_Black SN8100
2. Best budget:
Orico O7000
3. Best gaming:
SK Hynix Platinum P51
4. Best professional:
Samsung 9100 Pro
5. Best for PS5
Samsung 990 Pro

Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!

And of course you can also follow TechRadar on TikTok for news, reviews, unboxings in video form, and get regular updates from us on WhatsApp too.