Solid state drives (SSDs) have become increasingly popular in recent years as prices have dropped dramatically. SSDs provide faster read/write speeds, better reliability, and lower power consumption compared to traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). However, SSD pricing can still vary widely depending on factors like storage capacity, form factor, interface, and brand. This article will examine the costs associated with SSD storage and pricing trends in the market.
What are the main factors affecting SSD prices?
There are several key factors that determine the cost of an SSD:
Storage Capacity
Larger capacity SSDs are more expensive than lower capacity models. A 500GB SSD generally costs around twice as much as a 250GB SSD from the same manufacturer. This is because larger capacity drives require more NAND flash memory chips which increases the materials cost.
Form Factor
SSDs come in different physical sizes like 2.5” or M.2. The ultra-compact M.2 form factor SSDs are more expensive than standard 2.5″ SSDs due to engineering and design challenges that go into fitting all the components onto a much smaller PCB.
Interface
SSDs with faster interfaces like PCIe NVMe have a price premium over SATA SSDs. NVMe SSDs can offer 3-4x faster read/write speeds but the controller and interconnect components required are more advanced.
NAND Type
Single-level cell (SLC) NAND flash memory found in enterprise/industrial SSDs is costlier than the multi-level (MLC, TLC, QLC) NAND used in consumer drives. SLC offers better endurance and performance but lower storage density per NAND chip.
Brand Name
Major brands like Samsung, Intel and WD carry a price premium over lesser known brands due to higher costs related to research, marketing, and customer support. However, the performance and reliability may also be higher.
SSD Pricing Trends
The main trend with SSD pricing has been a steady decline over the years as production scales up. Some key pricing trends include:
- Average price per GB for SATA SSDs has dropped from around $1 in 2012 to $0.10 in 2022.
- QLC NAND penetration increasing which further lowers per GB costs.
- M.2 form factor almost completely replacing 2.5″ for new computer builds.
- Higher density 8TB+ SSDs being introduced for data centers.
- Prices tend to fluctuate with supply/demand dynamics and NAND market conditions.
Historical SSD Price per GB Chart
| Year | Price per GB (SATA SSD) |
|---|---|
| 2012 | $1.00 |
| 2014 | $0.68 |
| 2016 | $0.45 |
| 2018 | $0.25 |
| 2020 | $0.15 |
| 2022 | $0.10 |
What are current price ranges for SSDs?
Current SSD prices (as of late 2022) roughly range as follows for new consumer models sold as internal PC/laptop drives:
120GB – 256GB SATA SSD
$25 – $60
Lower capacity SATA SSDs in the 120GB to 256GB range tend to be the most budget-friendly in terms of dollar per GB cost. They provide sufficient capacity for basic usage like booting an OS or as a secondary drive. Major brands sell drives in this range for $25 to $60.
240GB – 1TB SATA SSD
$30 – $100
This is the mainstream capacity segment for SATA SSDs. A 500GB – 1TB 2.5″ SATA SSD from a well-known brand generally costs between $50 and $100. Good balance of price and storage capacity for everyday computing.
250GB – 2TB M.2 NVMe SSD
$40 – $200
M.2 NVMe drives have largely superseded 2.5″ SATA SSDs for new PC builds. Typical costs are around $40 for a 250GB drive up to around $200 for high-speed 2TB models. Offer great performance for gaming and professional workloads.
4TB+ M.2 NVMe SSDs
$400+
Leading edge ultra high capacity NVMe SSDs over 4TB can cost $400 to well over $1000 for enterprise class models. Provide massive storage for creative pros and data center usage. Prices expected to decline steadily.
External portable SSD pricing
External SSDs that connect over USB have a portable form factor and carry a pricing premium over internal SSDs. Cost ranges are approximately:
- 250GB – 500GB – $50 – $100
- 1TB – 2TB – $100 – $250
- 4TB+ – $400+
Rugged, waterproof models with protective enclosures can cost 2-3x standard external SSDs.
Is it better to buy SSD online or in a store?
In most cases, buying SSDs online tends to offer lower prices compared to brick-and-mortar retail stores. Online retailers have lower overhead costs and can offer more competitive pricing. However, there are some benefits to buying locally:
Benefits of buying SSD online
- Lower prices compared to retail stores
- Wider selection of brands/models
- Easy price comparisons across multiple stores
- Frequent discounts and sales
Benefits of buying in-store
- Avoid shipping costs and delays
- Can inspect drive before purchase
- Get drive same day without waiting
- Local return/exchange policies
For rare or hard-to-find SSD models, retail stores may provide better availability. But for most standard drives, buying online tends to be cheaper and more convenient overall.
How to choose the right SSD model?
Some key considerations when selecting an SSD model include:
Storage capacity
Match storage capacity to your budget and usage requirements. For light usage buy 120-256GB, for mainstream 500GB-1TB, power users 2TB+.
Form factor
M.2 SSDs are best for building new PCs, SATA 2.5” are compatible with older systems. Know your computer’s compatibility.
Interface
NVMe drives are much faster than SATA, choose this for best performance when supported by your PC.
NAND type
QLC NAND is most affordable but has shorter lifespan. Opt for MLC/TLC NAND SSDs for longer reliability.
Brand reputation
Stick with established brands like Samsung, Crucial, WD for proven quality and support.
Paying a little extra for a quality SSD from a top-tier brand is worth it for the performance and reliability gains. Cheaper SSDs may have slower speeds or shorter lifespans. Check reviews and specs closely when comparing models.
Conclusion
SSD pricing has declined steadily over the past decade, with SATA drives now at just 10 cents per GB. M.2 NVMe models provide blazing fast speeds for a moderate premium. Carefully consider factors like capacity, form factor and NAND type when selecting an SSD. While prices are low, it still pays to buy quality drives from reputable brands to get the best performance and endurance. Online retailers offer competitive pricing and wide selection on SSDs. For most consumers, a 500GB – 1TB SATA or NVMe SSD provides the best overall value. With storage capacities increasing and costs declining, SSDs have become affordable for almost every PC build.