If you've been shopping for any kind of storage device, you're likely well aware of the ongoing global memory crisis, often dubbed 'RAMageddon'. This term refers to the significant price increases and supply shortages affecting NAND flash memory and DRAM, driven by surging demand from AI data centers, high-bandwidth memory production, and geopolitical factors. According to industry analysts, prices for solid-state drives and memory cards have risen sharply over the past year, and the trend is expected to persist. During major sales events like Prime Day, we saw hundreds of microSD cards, portable SSDs, and internal hard drives go on sale. But now that those deals have expired, finding a genuine discount — one that isn't based on inflated list prices — requires careful hunting.
To help you navigate this challenging market, we've tracked down the best memory and storage deals still available this week. These offers provide real savings on reliable products from trusted brands, allowing you to upgrade your storage without breaking the bank. Whether you need extra capacity for your laptop, gaming console, drone, or camera, these deals are worth considering before prices climb even higher.
Best microSD deal
Gigastone MicroSD Card (128GB) — $49.99 (save $10)
While a $10 discount may seem modest, in the current climate it represents a solid 17% saving. Gigastone's 128GB microSD card offers reliable performance for a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, action cameras, and Nintendo Switch. It is rated UHS-I U3 and V30, ensuring fast read and write speeds suitable for 4K video recording and rapid file transfers. The card also includes a five-year warranty with free data recovery — a valuable safety net for anyone who has lost precious photos or footage to a corrupted card. Given that prices for microSD cards have risen by as much as 30% year-over-year, this deal is genuinely competitive.
Best portable SSD deal
Samsung T9 Portable SSD (1TB) — $199.99 (save $88)
The Samsung T9 is a top-tier portable SSD that offers exceptional performance and durability. With sequential read and write speeds of up to 2,000 MB/s, it is ideal for content creators, gamers, and professionals who need to transfer large files quickly. The drive features a built-in thermal guard to prevent overheating during intensive use, and its compact, pocket-sized design makes it easy to carry. The 1TB model is currently discounted to $199.99, a saving of $88 off its regular price of $287.99. While this is not the lowest price ever seen, it represents significant value given the current market conditions. For those needing more capacity, the 2TB version is available for $399.99 and the 4TB for $799.99.
Best internal hard drive deal
Samsung 990 PRO (2TB) — $389.99 (save $250)
Gamers and power users will appreciate the Samsung 990 PRO, a PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD that delivers blazing-fast performance. With sequential read speeds of up to 7,450 MB/s and write speeds of up to 6,900 MB/s, this drive is among the fastest consumer SSDs on the market. It is also about 50% more power-efficient than the previous-generation 980 PRO, making it a great choice for laptops and desktops where thermal management is critical. The 2TB model is currently priced at $389.99 at Best Buy and Amazon, a $250 discount from its MSRP of $639.99. With over 13,000 reviews and a 4.7-star rating, it is an Amazon's Choice product. Some users note that for heavy workloads like video editing or 3D rendering, a motherboard heatsink may be recommended to maintain peak performance.
More microSD, portable SSD, and hard drive deals
Lexar ES3 External SSD (1TB) — $152.99 (save $17). This rugged portable drive offers IP68 water and dust resistance, making it ideal for outdoor use. It features read speeds up to 550 MB/s and is compatible with PC, Mac, and console.
WD My Passport Portable External Hard Drive (5TB) — $180.49 (save $104.50). A classic high-capacity HDD for backups and media storage. It comes with WD Backup software and hardware encryption, offering reliable storage at a low cost per gigabyte.
Samsung T7 Portable SSD (1TB) — $219.99 (save $55). A slightly older but still excellent SSD with read/write speeds up to 1,050 MB/s. It is compact and includes a USB-C cable, making it a versatile choice for everyday use.
Lexar ES3 External SSD (2TB) — $269.99 (save $30). The larger capacity version of the ES3, offering the same rugged design and sufficient speed for most users. It's a good option for those who need more space on the go.
The global memory crisis shows no signs of easing, with analysts predicting further price increases through 2025 and beyond. AI-driven demand for high-bandwidth memory is consuming a large portion of NAND flash production capacity, while older DRAM and NAND fabs are being repurposed. This has led to supply constraints for consumer SSDs and memory cards, pushing prices higher. As a result, taking advantage of genuine deals like the ones listed above can help you secure essential storage at a reasonable cost before prices rise again. These products offer a range of capacities and form factors to suit different needs, from portable microSD cards for cameras to high-speed NVMe SSDs for gaming rigs. By acting now, you can beat the price hikes and enjoy faster, more reliable storage for years to come.
Source: Mashable News