Micron is officially winding down its Crucial consumer brand after nearly 30 years, a move driven by surging AI demand that has reshaped the SSD and RAM markets. Prices for memory and storage have skyrocketed in 2025, with RAM costs rising by over 600% in some cases and SSDs doubling in price, leaving DIY PC builders and gamers squeezed.
For decades, Crucial was synonymous with accessible, reliable upgrades for PC enthusiasts. From DDR2 kits in the mid-2000s to modern DDR5 modules and NVMe SSDs, Crucial carved out a reputation as a go-to brand for DIY builders. But in December 2025, Micron announced it will retire Crucial-branded consumer products by February 2026, shifting focus entirely to enterprise and AI-driven markets.
Micron’s Chief Business Officer Sumit Sadana explained the rationale: “The AI-driven growth in the data center has led to a surge in demand for memory and storage. Micron has made the difficult decision to exit the Crucial consumer business in order to improve supply and support for our larger, strategic customers in faster-growing segments.”
This marks the end of an era for DIY PC builders, who relied on Crucial for affordable RAM and SSDs. Warranty support will continue, but shelves will gradually empty of Crucial products.
Why SSD and RAM Prices Exploded in 2025
The Crucial shutdown isn’t happening in isolation—it’s part of a broader memory supply crisis:
- AI Data Center Demand: Hyperscalers building massive AI clusters have consumed unprecedented amounts of DRAM and NAND. Enterprise buyers can pay premiums, pushing consumer supply aside.
- RAM Price Surge: DDR5 prices rose 171% year-over-year by Q3 2025, with some reports citing increases of 163–619% depending on region and type.
- SSD Price Doubling: NAND wafer shortages and prioritization of enterprise-grade drives caused consumer SSD prices to double since October 2025.
- Supply Chain Constraints: Limited wafer capacity and geopolitical factors have tightened availability, leaving consumer markets vulnerable.
Impact on PC Builders and Gamers
For everyday enthusiasts, the consequences are stark:
- DIY Builds Cost More: A mid-range gaming PC that cost $1,200 in 2024 now easily exceeds $2,000 due to memory and storage inflation.
- Upgrade-Friendly Market Gone: Crucial’s exit removes one of the most accessible upgrade brands, leaving fewer affordable options.
- Enterprise First: Manufacturers are prioritizing AI servers and enterprise contracts, meaning consumer buyers are last in line.
The memory bull market is expected to continue into 2026, with analysts warning of further shortages. For consumers, this means:
- Strategic Buying: Waiting for sales or considering second-hand markets may be necessary.
- Alternative Brands: Enthusiasts will need to rely on competitors like Kingston, Corsair, or G.Skill, though they too face supply pressures.
- Shift in DIY Culture: The golden era of cheap, easy upgrades may be over, replaced by a market dominated by enterprise priorities.
Micron’s decision to wind down Crucial is both a symptom and a catalyst of the memory crisis. With AI reshaping demand, SSD and RAM prices have soared, leaving consumers squeezed while enterprise buyers thrive. The DIY PC community now faces one of its toughest eras since the DRAM shortages of the early 2000s.
