Crucial Shuts Down as Micron Focuses on AI Chips

Micron is retiring the Crucial brand, ending its line of budget solid-state drives and RAM kits. The company announced it will wind down its consumer business to focus on larger, faster-growing customers, such as AI companies.

The shutdown affects PC builders and hobbyists, who are already facing higher RAM prices due to rising demand from AI projects. OpenAI has a deal with SK Hynix and Samsung to produce up to 900,000 DRAM each month for its Stargate project.

Fewer consumer memory options may increase the global memory shortage. Companies like CyberPowerPC, Framework, and Raspberry Pi are already seeing price impacts, and HP may raise prices or include less memory in its devices.

Micron will keep shipping Crucial products until the end of February 2026 and will continue to provide warranty service and support.