Microcenter is an electronics retail store that offers a wide selection of computer parts, components, and accessories. Some people wonder if Microcenter provides free solid state drives (SSDs) with purchases. Here is a quick look at whether Microcenter gives away free SSDs.
Quick Overview
In short, Microcenter does not provide free SSDs simply for making a purchase. However, Microcenter does frequently offer promotions and bundles that include discounted or free SSDs when buying select components. So while Microcenter does not give away SSDs outright, they often run deals that let customers get SSDs at heavily reduced prices or even free when purchasing associated items.
Common Microcenter SSD Promotions
Here are some of the most common ways Microcenter offers SSDs at discounted rates or even free with qualifying purchases:
- CPU/Motherboard Bundles – Buying a CPU and motherboard together often qualifies for a free SSD.
- Full PC Builds – Having Microcenter build a complete custom PC grants large bundle savings, sometimes with a free SSD.
- Free Gift Cards – Large dollar gift cards that can be used to buy a discounted or free SSD.
- Coupons – Store coupons can take 20%, 30% or more off SSD purchases.
The exact promotion varies from time to time, but Microcenter practically always has some type of discount or offer that allows customers to obtain SSDs at very low or zero cost when purchasing related components for a build.
Why Microcenter Offers SSD Promotions
Microcenter runs these SSD promotions and bundles for a few key reasons:
- Increase Average Sale Price – The free or discounted SSDs incentivize customers to spend more to qualify for the promotions.
- Compete With Online Retailers – Helps Microcenter match prices from web-only computer part stores.
- Introduce Customers to SSD Benefits – Gets first-time SSD buyers to experience the performance benefits.
Essentially, bundling SSDs with core components helps entice customers to buy more and shop at Microcenter instead of online-only alternatives.
Current Microcenter SSD Promotions
Microcenter rotates their SSD promotions frequently. Here are some of the current offers that include discounted or free SSDs:
Intel CPU + Motherboard Combos
When buying select Intel processors and motherboard combinations, Microcenter offers a free 480GB Team Group MS30 M.2 SSD. For example, purchasing an Intel Core i5-12600K CPU along with an ASUS Prime Z690-P WiFi D4 motherboard qualifies for the free 480GB SSD. Over a dozen CPU and motherboard pairings are eligible.
$50 Off SSDs Over 500GB
Right now, Microcenter provides a $50 discount when you purchase any 500GB and larger SSD. This applies to brands like Crucial, WD, Samsung, and more. 1TB SSDs from $89.99 can be had for just $39.99 after the discount.
Gift Cards with Custom PC Builds
Having Microcenter build a custom gaming or workstation PC grants a gift card with the purchase value. On a $1,500+ custom build, a $150 gift card is offered. These gift cards can be used to purchase a SSD at a heavy discount or sometimes even free.
Requirements for Microcenter SSD Promotions
To take advantage of a Microcenter SSD promotion and get a discounted or free SSD, customers generally have to meet certain requirements:
- Purchase a qualifying component like a CPU and motherboard combo.
- Buy items in a single transaction to combine promotions.
- SSD selections are often limited to certain models/capacities.
- Offers are only valid when items are in-stock.
Microcenter also tends to reserve the right to alter, extend or withdraw promotions at any time. So the specifics can change quickly.
Can Promotional SSDs Be Returned or Exchanged?
Microcenter does allow promotional SSDs to be returned or exchanged just like normal purchases. However, they usually must be returned with the associated component like the CPU or motherboard combo. And the usual 15-30 day return policies apply, depending on Premium or Elite customer membership levels.
In-Store Only Restrictions
One other key caveat with Microcenter SSD deals is that they are typically restricted to in-store only. The free or discounted SSD offers generally cannot be purchased online for home delivery and must be bought in person. This helps drive traffic into physical Microcenter retail stores.
Conclusions
In closing, while Microcenter does not straight-up give away free SSDs outright, they regularly run significant promotions that include free or heavily discounted SSDs with qualifying component purchases. This primarily includes CPU and motherboard combo deals, custom PC builds, gift cards and coupons.
Whenever shopping at Microcenter for a new computer build, it is always wise to inquire about any current SSD promotions. More often than not, there will be some type of offer that allows you to get a high-quality SSD for free or at a large discount. Just be aware these deals typically require an in-store purchase rather than online ordering.