With SSD prices doubling in recent months, many PC builders and upgraders are left wondering how to get the best storage deals during key shopping events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday without overspending. The rising demand from AI data centers and supply constraints have pushed prices up, but delaying your purchase could mean paying even more later or facing limited availability. This guide breaks down the current SSD market, what kinds of drives make sense now, and how to choose the right SSD for your budget and performance needs in 2024.
Why Are SSD Prices Increasing?
The main driver behind the recent spike in SSD prices is increased demand from AI and data center expansions globally. These facilities purchase SSDs and RAM chips in massive quantities, creating shortages that ripple through the consumer market. Similar trends were seen recently with RAM prices, which surged dramatically before stabilizing. SSD prices are currently following that pattern, with forecasts indicating further price rises through the end of the year and possibly into 2025. Given that components like SSDs will also influence prices for devices using them, buying storage now rather than later can help avoid paying higher costs on complete systems in coming months.
Understanding SSD Performance: What Really Matters?
Gamers and general users often wonder if the newest SSD technologies like PCIe Gen 4 or Gen 5 NVMe drives offer significant performance improvements over older models or SATA SSDs. For gaming, there is no meaningful difference in frame rates regardless of whether you have a SATA, PCIe Gen 3, Gen 4, or Gen 5 SSD. The primary leap in gaming performance is simply moving from a traditional hard drive to any SSD.
Loading times do vary between SSD types: the fastest PCIe Gen 5 NVMe SSDs load games roughly twice as fast as the slowest SATA SSDs, but the actual difference in real-world use is typically less than 13 seconds on average. For most users, this moderate time saving does not justify the significantly higher cost of top-tier Gen 5 drives unless you have a system built specifically to leverage them.
DRAM vs. DRAM-less SSDs: Which Should You Buy?
SSDs can be classified by whether they include onboard DRAM cache or not. DRAM SSDs generally offer faster and more consistent performance, especially for heavy multitasking or workloads involving frequent large file writes like video editing or data logging.
DRAM-less SSDs rely on Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology, which uses system RAM, making them more affordable but slightly less performant. For typical gaming and everyday use, DRAM-less SSDs perform well and represent a strong value, especially when paired with large SLC caches.
Currently, you can expect a price difference of about $30 per terabyte between DRAM and DRAM-less models. If your use case involves intensive file manipulation, investing in DRAM SSDs may be worthwhile. Otherwise, DRAM-less drives offer excellent cost efficiency.
Capacity and Value: Why Bigger Drives Can Save You Money
When considering drive size, buying higher capacity SSDs often results in better cost per terabyte pricing. For example, a 4 TB SSD is frequently priced more attractively per terabyte than two separate 2 TB drives. This trend holds true across many brands and models amid the current market changes.
If your storage needs are expected to grow, investing in a larger drive now not only saves money but also spares you from facing inflated prices or stock shortages later.
Where to Find the Best SSD Deals in 2024
Keep an eye on reputable retailers and update deal trackers regularly during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the holiday sales season. Some standout options currently include budget-friendly brands offering reliable DRAM-less SSDs with large caches, as well as competitively priced DRAM-equipped drives ideal for gaming consoles like the PS5.
Top-tier enthusiasts with PCIe Gen 5-capable systems should look out for deals on drives like the Samsung 990 Pro or Western Digital Black SN850X. However, avoid overspending on the absolute fastest drives unless your setup fully supports them, as real-world gains are minimal for most users.
In summary, don’t delay upgrading your storage due to fears of high prices—buy what you need now while deals are still available and before prices climb further. Focus on choosing SSDs that balance capacity, speed, and price for your specific needs rather than chasing the latest technology alone.
