The SSD price crisis is making it nearly impossible to buy a solid-state drive at a reasonable price, as RAM and storage costs skyrocket across the hardware industry. If you're looking to upgrade your computer, laptop, or console, you've likely noticed that prices for components and complete devices have reached alarming levels.
This surge affects everything from Sony's PS5 and Nintendo's Switch 2 to Apple's iPhone lineup and Lenovo's handheld PCs. Even the recently launched Steam Machine starts at over €1,000, a stark reminder of how expensive hardware has become.
Yet, amidst this gloom, there are occasional exceptions. Amazon's Prime Day, running from now until midnight on Friday, June 26, offers a rare opportunity: a Samsung SSD for €185.15. That's not as cheap as it was months ago, but it's a deal worth considering before prices climb further.

Why SSD Prices Are Skyrocketing
The current hardware crisis stems from a perfect storm of factors. Global demand for memory and storage has outpaced supply, driven by the rise of AI, data centers, and consumer electronics. As a result, manufacturers have raised prices across the board.
Consoles like the PS5 and Switch 2 have seen price hikes, and smartphones from Apple and others are no exception. Even handheld PCs from Lenovo have become more expensive. The Steam Machine's €1,000+ price tag is a clear signal that high-performance hardware now comes at a premium.
For consumers, this means that upgrading your storage is no longer a casual purchase. It requires careful planning and timing to avoid paying exorbitant prices.
The Samsung SSD Deal on Prime Day
Amazon's Prime Day offers a glimmer of hope. The Samsung SSD at €185.15 is one such exception. While it's not the rock-bottom price we saw months ago, it's still a competitive offer in today's inflated market.
This deal is available for a limited time—until midnight on Friday, June 26. Given the trend of rising prices, buying now could save you from future increases. It's a strategic move to secure needed storage before the situation worsens.
But is it the right SSD for you? Let's break down what to consider.
What to Look for in an SSD Deal
Not all SSDs are created equal, and not all deals are worth it. Here are key factors to evaluate:
- Capacity vs. price: Calculate the cost per gigabyte to ensure you're getting a fair deal.
- Performance: Check read/write speeds, especially if you're upgrading an older system.
- Brand reliability: Samsung is known for quality, but warranties and reviews matter.
- Form factor: Ensure compatibility with your device (e.g., NVMe, SATA).
- Future-proofing: With prices rising, buying a larger capacity now might be smarter.
Keep these in mind when evaluating any SSD offer, including this Prime Day deal.
SSD Price Comparison: Then vs. Now
To understand the current market, let's compare prices for a typical 1TB Samsung SSD over time.
| Period | Average Price (1TB Samsung SSD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Early 2023 | €90-€110 | Pre-crisis pricing |
| Late 2023 | €120-€140 | Prices begin to rise |
| Mid-2024 | €160-€200 | Current Prime Day deal: €185.15 |
| Projected late 2024 | €200+ | Expected further increases |
As the table shows, the Prime Day price is within the current range but lower than projected future prices. It's a window of opportunity.
Should You Buy Now or Wait?
Waiting for prices to drop could backfire. The trend is upward, and there's no sign of relief soon. If you need storage, buying now at a relatively reasonable price is prudent. The background to this story is set out in RAM Crisis Makes New Hardware Costly, But Prebuilt PCs Still Offer Great. A related thread runs through Samsung 990 SSD with PCIe 4.0 Launches Amid Memory Price Crisis. Earlier coverage in Secondhand Fashion Gets Expensive: Why Vintage Prices Soar shows how the argument developed.
However, consider your immediate needs. If you can hold off, monitor prices, but don't expect significant drops. The hardware crisis shows no signs of abating. A closer look at the same subject appears in SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD Deal Defies Soaring Storage Prices. Anyone following the wider picture can start with RAM and SSD Prices Rise, Graphics Cards Drop: RTX 5070 Deal. The same theme surfaces in 32GB RAM 2TB SSD Gaming PC Hits Lowest Price at PcDays Sale, which takes a different angle.
For those ready to buy, the Samsung SSD on Prime Day is a solid choice. It balances performance, reliability, and price in a difficult market. Context on how this played out before sits in Samsung 990 Pro SSD Flash Deal: High-End Storage at a Discount. A companion piece, Cost of Watching Sport in Australia Rises as Streaming Prices Soar, approaches the same subject from another angle.
FAQ
Why are SSD prices so high right now?
SSD prices are high due to increased demand for memory and storage from AI, data centers, and consumer electronics, coupled with limited supply. This has led manufacturers to raise prices across the board.
Is the Samsung SSD on Prime Day a good deal?
Yes, at €185.15, it's a competitive price in today's inflated market. While not as low as prices months ago, it's lower than projected future prices and offers good value for a reliable brand.
How long does the Prime Day deal last?
The deal runs until midnight on Friday, June 26. After that, prices may revert to higher levels, so acting quickly is advisable.
What should I check before buying an SSD?
Check capacity, performance speeds, brand reliability, form factor compatibility, and warranty. Also, compare cost per gigabyte to ensure you're getting a fair deal.