Crucial Ends Consumer RAM Sales After 30 Years

The landscape of consumer RAM sales is undergoing a significant shift as Crucial announces an end to its sales after 30 years. This decision comes amidst soaring DRAM prices and a drastic change in market demand driven by artificial intelligence (AI) developments.

The Spike in DRAM Prices

Recent industry data highlights a staggering 171 percent year-over-year increase in DRAM contract prices. This surge is largely attributed to the booming AI sector’s insatiable appetite for high-bandwidth memory (HBM).

Impact of AI on RAM Supply

Gerry Chen, the general manager at TeamGroup, warned that the situation could worsen by the first half of 2026. As distributors deplete their remaining inventories, supply constraints may persist through late 2027 or longer.

The push for new AI infrastructure has diverted production from consumer RAM to more lucrative enterprise components. Major manufacturers like Micron have prioritized HBM for AI accelerators of companies such as Nvidia and AMD.

High Demand for Specialized RAM

OpenAI’s Stargate project is a key player in the current demand scenario, reportedly committing to procure up to 900,000 wafers of DRAM monthly. This purchase could represent nearly 40 percent of the global DRAM output.

• Growing reliance on AI technologies is reshaping the RAM market.
• Micron has presold its entire HBM production for 2026.
• Framework, a laptop manufacturer, has halted standalone RAM kit sales to curtail scalping.

Changes for Consumers and PC Builders

This shift in manufacturing focus has left DIY PC builders with fewer choices. Framework’s decision to stop selling individual RAM kits is a direct consequence of the current market dynamics.

Crucial Brand’s Legacy

After nearly three decades, the Crucial brand’s conclusion in consumer sales marks a notable end. In his farewell statement, executive Sadana expressed gratitude to the community that helped establish Crucial as a leader in memory and storage solutions.

“Thanks to a passionate community of consumers, the Crucial brand has become synonymous with technical leadership,” noted Sadana. He acknowledged the dedication of customers, partners, and team members over the years.

The future of consumer RAM remains uncertain as AI demand reshapes the market landscape. With major changes on the horizon, consumers may need to adapt to a new reality in the RAM supply chain.