Crucial Halts Consumer RAM Sales After Nearly 30 Years

Crucial, a prominent name in consumer RAM sales, has officially halted sales after nearly three decades in the market. This major development comes amidst an alarming supply shortage driven primarily by increased demand in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector.

Understanding the RAM Supply Crisis

According to industry reports, DRAM contract prices have surged by 171 percent year over year. This dramatic increase can be attributed to the rising need for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) essential for AI applications.

Key Factors Behind the Shortage

Several factors are impacting consumer RAM availability:

• The construction of new AI infrastructures has generated an unprecedented demand for specialized memory.
• Major companies like Micron have prioritized enterprise components, with their entire HBM output pre-sold until 2026.
• Framework, a laptop manufacturer, has ceased selling standalone RAM kits to manage scalping and is considering price hikes.

Gerry Chen, general manager at TeamGroup, has indicated that the situation is likely to worsen as inventory levels decline. He predicts supply constraints could persist until late 2027 or beyond.

Impact on the Consumer Market

With the RAM shortage escalating, consumers and DIY PC builders are facing dwindling options. The structural imbalance between AI demand and consumer supply is not showing signs of improvement.

Future Outlook

The AI data center projects, including OpenAI’s Stargate initiative, have made significant commitments. Reports suggest they have signed agreements for up to 900,000 wafers of DRAM each month, representing nearly 40 percent of the global production capacity.

While AI enterprises can afford to pay higher prices, the impact on traditional consumers is undeniable. This shift in focus disrupts a thriving market for personal and DIY computing.

Crucial’s Legacy

Reflecting on its 29 years in the industry, Crucial expressed gratitude to its customer base and partners. The brand has become synonymous with quality and technical excellence in memory and storage products.

In conclusion, the halt of consumer RAM sales by Crucial marks a significant shift in the market. It underscores the broader challenges posed by rising AI demand and the ongoing supply chain issues facing the technology landscape.