The grim prognostications issued by industry analysts last year have officially materialized, as the dawn of 2026 brings a staggering surge in SSD market prices. A severe supply chain crisis in the memory sector has dealt a direct blow to PC enthusiasts and PS5 gamers, effectively concluding the golden age of affordable, high-speed storage.
The magnitude of this price hike is startling when measured against data from only a few months prior. For instance, the Lexar NM790 1TB—a highly sought-after drive for both desktops and consoles—was retailing for approximately $66 in the U.S. last October. Today, that same model has climbed to a steep $118.
The situation is even more dire for those seeking high-capacity storage. The 8TB WD_Black SN850X is now priced at roughly $1,080, representing a 55% increase since last May. Furthermore, some 4TB variants are being listed between $520 and $1,000, making them virtually inaccessible to the average consumer.
The explosive expansion of the artificial intelligence sector is cited as the primary catalyst for this trend. Experts advise that those in urgent need of a drive should secure one immediately, as costs may escalate further. However, for those with functional hardware, the most prudent strategy is to avoid panic buying and wait for the market to reach a point of stabilization.
Source: iXBT.games