The announcement that Micron is discontinuing its Crucial consumer division came as an unexpected development for 2025.
Micron revealed the decision to close the Crucial brand on Wednesday, using clear and direct wording. In essence, the firm is shifting its focus to enterprise clients, where requirements for memory and storage products have increased significantly due to the expansion of data centers supporting artificial intelligence.
(In other words: Enterprise clients offer greater profitability, prompting the change.)
This step concludes nearly three decades of operations under the Crucial name, as highlighted in the announcement.
While the move was somewhat anticipated, it carries broader implications that stand out, particularly the sustained demand from enterprise sectors for memory and storage over an extended period.
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Concerns about the consumer market are not immediate, but there is uncertainty regarding whether projections of ongoing RAM supply issues extending past the current decade will materialize.
Questions arise about other firms potentially reducing their consumer-oriented sales efforts, and crucially, the effects on product development timelines and pricing structures.
This extends beyond standalone RAM and SSD products; manufacturers of memory or storage components might cease direct sales to individuals. It also impacts integrated devices, such as graphics cards. Reports suggest Nvidia could require its partners to procure memory independently, leaving smaller entities with weaker bargaining positions. This might lead to elevated prices, limited availability, delayed launches, and reduced choices for buyers.
Preassembled computers could similarly feature less advanced specifications, potentially remaining static or even declining in performance.
Despite these challenges, the situation does not cause alarm yet. If consumers encounter rising costs and delayed advancements, they might postpone upgrades for extended periods. The industry would then evolve in response, sparking interest in the resulting changes.
Could this prompt a quicker move toward cloud-based solutions to compensate for slower consumer hardware progress? Alternatively, might software improvements bridge the gap for aging personal computers and mobile devices? Businesses favor subscription services, though affordability remains a barrier for comprehensive adoption.
A preference leans toward the latter outcome amid any potential decline in local hardware capabilities. Achieving this requires consumer choices through spending to prioritize accessible technology. While Chromebooks and GeForce Now offer valuable alternatives, their reliance on constant internet connectivity and remote servers falls short for universal needs. Moreover, escalating online threats underscore the value of on-device processing for safeguarding privacy and preventing data breaches.
Upon entering the mainstream, entry-level personal computers ranged from $1,500 to $2,500. Consumer interest subsequently drove affordability and versatility in the platform, enabling current interactions like this article's creation and consumption. Preserving this accessibility is essential to avoid setbacks.
In the latest Full Nerd episode, hosts Adam Patrick Murray, Alaina Yee, and Will Smith review the yearly guide to optimal custom gaming PC assemblies using Black Friday promotions, alongside forecasts for CES 2026. Though the tone appears pessimistic, the conversation proved engaging, with enjoyment in evaluating offers and assembling configurations. Marking over a decade of this custom has been a highlight.
Regarding CES, the group opted against a game involving drinks for each 'AI' reference in presentations and announcements, citing the inevitable severe aftermath.
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Explore the latest programs as well, including Dual Boot Diaries and The Full Nerd: Extra Edition episodes.
For ongoing hardware discussions throughout the week, participate in the PCWorld Discord server, home to a relaxed group of enthusiasts.
Returning from the holiday break, the period seemed quiet amid the focus on AI's hardware implications, though significant events occurred beneath the surface, often less positive.
In keeping with Thanksgiving spirit, appreciation goes to inventive hobbyists tackling projects like running Minecraft on thermal printers, boosting enthusiasm for hardware experimentation and lighthearted pursuits.
A current challenge involves expanding the wardrobe for December recordings: opt for an elegant festive sweater to complement the set, or embrace more garish designs? Choices abound.
This newsletter honors the legacy of Gordon Mah Ung, originator and presenter of The Full Nerd, and hardware executive editor at PCWorld.
With 14 years in technology and gaming media, Alaina Yee addresses diverse subjects at PCWorld. Joining in 2016, her coverage spans CPUs, Windows, assembly guides, Chrome, Raspberry Pi, and beyond, while spotting deals (#slickdeals). Her current emphasis is cybersecurity, guiding users on online protection. Previous contributions include PC Gamer, IGN, Maximum PC, and Official Xbox Magazine.