Micron Technology just pulled the plug on its Crucial consumer brand, famous for solid RAM sticks and SSDs like the MX500 that powered countless builds. After nearly three decades, the company is shifting all resources to high-margin enterprise stuff, especially AI data centers and server gear where demand never stops. Shipments to retailers wrap up by end of February 2026, but warranties stick around forever.
This move hits right as memory prices explode from AI hunger. RAM costs jumped up to 500 percent in spots, SSDs doubled, killing Black Friday deals and jacking up PC prices. Samsung and SK Hynix now dominate consumer shelves, so expect those wild prices to hold steady or climb more, no relief soon. Micron calls it tough but smart, freeing up NAND and DRAM for big clients who pay premium.
Crucial leaves a gap for rivals to fill, but with supply chains pinched, everyday builders face tougher choices. Micron keeps enterprise sales rolling under its own name. Team impacts get softened by internal job shifts.
