The ongoing RAM shortage affecting PC gaming has gone from bad to worse, as Micron announced it would be discontinuing its Crucial brand of consumer RAM and SSD storage devices, instead focusing solely on developing products for AI and enterprise-level customers. The end of Crucial’s brand will not happen immediately, with Micron stating that the shift will occur over the next few months.
This announcement came amid an ongoing RAM shortage and price hike that has shaken the PC gaming market. As OpenAI has expanded its AI server operations worldwide, RAM manufacturers have dedicated portions of their manufacturing to support these projects, leaving consumers without options. Since October, prices for DDR4 and DDR5 RAM kits have skyrocketed; 2x16 RAM kits that were once under $100 have surged to three times that amount.
Micron Discontinues Crucial Consumer line After Nearly 30 Years
On December 3, Micron confirmed it would exit the consumer market by February 2026. This marks the end of a nearly 29-year tenure for the Crucial brand of RAM and SSDs. Crucial products will no longer be manufactured or sold at major retailers after the existing stock is depleted, although Micron indicated it would provide warranty services for existing Crucial products.
Micron’s pivot away from consumer products toward enterprise-level customers stems from focusing on AI-driven growth in servers and data centers—a move that aims to ensure sufficient supply of components moving forward. Furthermore, this decision is expected to alleviate any potential negative effects on its workforce through redeployment opportunities.
Timing of Crucial’s Exit is Alarming for Gamers
Micron’s choice to pull its products from the market comes at a critical moment for gamers, as the RAM price surge has significantly impacted consumer options. Crucial’s exit means fewer choices for consumers, increasing the risk of price inflation across the market. Reports suggest that the Steam Machine will not have a subsidized price as anticipated, leading to potentially higher costs for customers in 2026. Similarly, there are concerns that the ongoing RAM shortages may prompt Microsoft to further increase Xbox console prices.
Source: Micron
