Is RAM going to be discontinued?
RAM is not going to be discontinued. It remains the backbone of system memory in PCs, servers, and mobile devices, with continued investment in speed, capacity, and efficiency.
RAM refers to volatile memory (primarily DRAM) that the CPU uses for active data and instructions. While other memory technologies are advancing and some products are being deprecated or re-scoped, the core RAM category is not slated for retirement. The industry expects gradual evolution rather than an abrupt end.
What RAM is and why it matters
RAM, or random-access memory, enables fast read and write access for active programs. Its performance directly affects how smoothly systems run. Here’s a snapshot of the current landscape and what it means for users and builders.
Current state of RAM technology
Key facts about RAM today and near-term developments:
- DRAM remains the primary form of volatile memory used as system RAM in nearly all computers and servers.
- DDR5 has become widely deployed, delivering higher bandwidth and improved efficiency compared with DDR4, with ongoing improvements as production scales and platforms adopt it.
- DDR6 is in development and early testing, with anticipated performance gains, but broad adoption will take several years and depend on ecosystem readiness.
- Non-volatile alternatives (NVRAM) such as MRAM and ReRAM are advancing, but they have not replaced DRAM for general RAM and are typically used for specialized roles or as cache/persistent storage options in complement to RAM.
In other words, RAM as a concept remains essential, and the industry’s direction is toward faster, denser, and more energy-efficient RAM rather than a move to retire RAM entirely.
Industry shifts to watch
In the broader memory landscape, some products that sit outside traditional DRAM are undergoing changes in emphasis. Analysts and manufacturers stress that this does not imply RAM is being discontinued, but it does shape how systems are designed and how memory is complemented by storage and non-volatile options.
- Non-volatile memory technologies (including MRAM, ReRAM, and similar) are moving from research to deployed roles in some servers and specialized devices, but they generally complement RAM rather than replace it as the main volatile memory.
- Storage-class memory products, such as persistent memory, are gaining traction for fast, persistent data access, but most systems still use DRAM for primary memory and rely on separate storage for long-term data.
- Hybrid memory architectures and new high-bandwidth memory (HBM) used with GPUs and accelerators illustrate how memory is evolving alongside CPU RAM rather than substituting it.
Overall, these shifts indicate growth and diversification in memory technologies, not a retirement of RAM itself. Expect gradual integration and coexistence of multiple memory tiers.
Summary
RAM is not being discontinued. The memory landscape is evolving with faster standards (DDR5 and beyond), more memory bandwidth, and the emergence of non-volatile memory options that supplement RAM. The core DRAM RAM remains indispensable for the foreseeable future, with ongoing upgrades and new memory hierarchies gradually shaping future systems.
Are Ram Trucks being discontinued?
To the dismay of some, the tried and true RAM 1500 Classic will be discontinued after the 2024 model year. Read on to learn why the Classic got the axe, and what RAM has in store in the future!
Is Ram leaving Dodge?
Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, changing the brand's path. Under Chrysler, Dodge trucks kept getting better. This led to the 2010 split, making Ram its own brand. Now, Ram focuses on trucks, while Dodge makes performance cars like the Challenger, Charger, and Durango.
Is discontinuing the Ram 1500 Classic pickup truck in 2025?
“With the introduction of the Tradesman trim on the new Ram 1500 for 2024 model year, we bid farewell to the previous generation and remind customers that the Hemi-powered Ram 1500 Classic will sell into 2025.”
What is the future of Ram?
The future of Ram involves a transition to electric and hybrid powertrains, with models like the Ram 1500 REV (all-electric) and Ram 1500 Ramcharger (range-extended electric) scheduled for release in 2026 and 2027, respectively. Additionally, Ram is planning to reintroduce V8 engines, such as the new generation HEMI, and will be releasing a midsize truck, the Dakota, to its lineup. Key features will include improved aerodynamics, updated technology, and sustainable materials.
Powertrain and performance
- Electric and hybrid: The all-electric Ram 1500 REV is slated for a 2026 launch, with the Ram 1500 Ramcharger (a range-extended electric vehicle) launching in early 2026.
- V8 return: The HEMI V8 engine will make a return to the 1500 lineup with a new, more powerful generation to meet emissions standards.
- Hurricane engines: The powerful Hurricane turbo inline-six engines will also continue to be a part of the lineup.
New and updated models
- Midsize truck: Ram is reportedly developing a midsize truck, possibly named the Dakota, to be a more affordable option in its lineup.
- 2026 Ram 1500: The 2026 Ram 1500 will receive a significant update, incorporating the new V8 and Hurricane engines alongside other technological and design advancements.
Technology and features
- Aerodynamics: The future Ram models will have improved aerodynamics to increase efficiency and range, including features like underbody aero panels and active diffusers.
- Technology: You can expect updated technology, such as large touchscreen displays, advanced connectivity options, and semi-autonomous driving features.
- Sustainability: The company is working on incorporating more eco-friendly materials and improving overall fuel efficiency.
Other
- Heavy-duty updates: The Ram 2500 and 3500 models will receive minor updates in 2026.
