Crucial
Crucial business and news from across the web.
Valve Admits That it Didn’t Have Bargaining Power With RAM Companies for Steam MachineValve engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais revealed that the high cost of the Steam Machine was partly due to a lack of bargaining power with memory manufacturers. These companies dictated prices with no room for negotiation, a situation exacerbated by the demand from AI data centers. Griffais also explained Valve's commitment to an open PC ecosystem, which prevented them from subsidizing the hardware cost like a console.
'This is the first time where I'm seeing no light at the end of the tunnel': How the memory crisis is…The PC gaming industry is facing a severe memory crisis, with RAM prices quadrupling due to high demand from AI development. Companies like PowerGPU and Maingear are struggling with increased costs and reduced sales, with some executives seeing no end in sight for the next two years. This crisis is impacting entry-level PC price points and forcing some builders to consider alternative solutions like console gaming.
Run out of storage? I've price-tracked all our top-rated SSDs, and these are the three you should be investigating…SSD prices remain significantly high, with analysts expecting stabilization in a couple of years. The article highlights three top-rated SSDs for investigation: WD Black SN850X, Samsung 990 Pro, and Crucial T700, noting their performance and current pricing at retailers like Newegg and Amazon. It advises readers to consider if a new SSD is truly necessary before purchasing, suggesting alternatives like freeing up existing space or using cloud storage.
Even as prices continue to climb, Teamgroup is launching a Gen 5 SSD for "high-stability performance for the AI…TeamGroup has launched the T-Create Classic H514 M.2 PCIe 5.0 SSD, specifically designed for the demands of generative AI workloads. While not aimed at gamers, the drive boasts impressive read and write speeds of 14,200 MB/s and 13,300 MB/s respectively. The SSD will be available in 1TB to 4TB models with either a graphene or aluminum heatsink, though pricing and release date are yet to be announced.
The best SSDs for the Steam DeckThis guide reviews and recommends the best M.2 2230 SSDs for the Steam Deck, evaluating performance, thermals, and value. It highlights top picks like the Corsair MP600 Mini for overall performance and the Crucial P310 for exceptional value, while also discussing compatibility and installation.