The holiday shopping season is upon us, but for those looking to upgrade their PCs, this might not be the best time. The RAM-pocalypse has led to a surge in prices for many components, including RAM and SSDs. However, there’s one component that’s still relatively affordable: SSDs.
While RAM prices have more than doubled in recent months, with some kits going from $70 to $400, SSDs have seen less drastic price hikes. In fact, some PCIe Gen 4 and Gen 5 SSDs are still available at lower prices compared to their previous summer values.
The WD Black 2TB SN850X, for example, used to be priced at $149 in the summer but is now selling for $190 on Amazon and $220 at other retailers. The Samsung 990 Pro (2TB) has also seen a price drop from $230 to $190.
In contrast, RAM prices are soaring, with some kits reaching as high as $442. This makes SSDs shine by comparison, although it’s essential to note that the shortage is not expected to end anytime soon, and prices may continue to rise.
The shortage is not limited to RAM; data centers also want NAND flash memory, leading to price hikes on mainstream NAND wafers. Market analysts predict that the RAM shortage may only come to an end in 2027 or 2028, leaving SSDs with potentially high prices for a longer period.
For those looking to upgrade their PCs, there are alternative options available. Adding more storage to your PC or laptop is always an option, and replacing one of your existing SSDs with a new one can provide the necessary upgrade without breaking the bank. You can also consider external SSDs like the Crucial X10, which might become vintage as Micron exits the consumer market.
Lastly, investing in an SSD can be the starting point for building a NAS (Network-Attached Storage) system. This can help you set up a reliable and efficient storage solution for your files.
Keep in mind that PC component prices are volatile, so it’s essential to act quickly if you’re planning to upgrade.
Source: https://www.howtogeek.com/this-is-the-only-pc-upgrade-im-gifting-myself-this-year