Prospects for computer hardware costs appear challenging heading into 2026, particularly impacting memory and storage options, as rates have already increased in the past few weeks. The surge stems largely from the demands of artificial intelligence facilities.
Unlike in prior years, this Black Friday period represents more than just an opportunity for savings; it may serve as a final window to secure worthwhile bargains before prices climb further. With overall expenses on the rise, identifying truly valuable offers proves more difficult, and certain promotions fall short. Our curated selection highlights the most compelling SSD and storage purchases available.
Our selection process focuses on highly regarded, in-demand drives priced at or close to their historical lows. If an attractive option catches your eye, act promptly, given the growing supply constraints. Prime offers tend to deplete quickly, potentially leading to regret for those who hesitate.
This update, refreshed as of November 30, 2025, reflects the latest available rates.
While SSD promotions this Black Friday seem somewhat restrained, several noteworthy ones emerge. The compact 2230 variant of the Crucial P310 stands out as an excellent pick for Steam Deck users. Despite the Samsung 990 Pro's price increase, influenced by broader market dynamics, it remains attainable at a solid reduction, delivering dependable performance.
For maximum storage volume, traditional external hard drives continue to lead. The Seagate 24TB external HDD, priced at approximately $10 per terabyte, offers exceptional value with its vast capacity. It ranks as the top external HDD bargain currently, though Western Digital alternatives provide respectable reductions for those seeking less space or a different brand.
External SSD options have at last yielded some strong promotions. A standout is the 4TB Crucial X10, which doubles the speed of its X9 predecessor and received a 4.5 out of 5 rating in our evaluation. Additionally, it features IP65 weather resistance.
Explore our comprehensive collections of top PC hardware discounts across numerous categories.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday events can yield substantial savings on storage solutions, potentially reaching hundreds of dollars for large-capacity units. The key lies in distinguishing genuine value from mediocre offers. Our team has examined trusted e-commerce sites to identify proven products with authentic price drops.
Pricing varies based on the standard market or list price of each SSD variant, influenced by factors like drive type, size, and performance level. One notable exception this year involves elevated baseline costs, driven by the intense demand from AI data centers.
For 2025, anticipate spending roughly $100 to $110 on a 1TB NVMe Generation 4 drive, and $130 to $170 for a 2TB version. A practical benchmark involves seeking reductions of 15 to 20 percent or higher, adjusted for the specific product.
Storage manufacturers do not create exclusive editions for seasonal sales like Black Friday or Cyber Monday. The items featured represent standard offerings available year-round in stores or online.
Reliable brands deliver the strongest Black Friday and Cyber Monday reductions on SSDs and HDDs. Discounts beginning at 15 to 20 percent qualify as solid, while those exceeding 30 percent mark exceptional value, often appearing on larger-capacity SSDs.
Focus on established manufacturers such as Samsung, Crucial, Corsair, SK Hynix, and Western Digital. Viable alternatives include Kingston, Solidigm, and TeamGroup. Venturing to lesser-known brands increases the risk of subpar performance, including slower speeds.
Examine specific models carefully, as multiple options from one company may appear in promotions. High-end performers, which infrequently discount, and entry-level units with aggressive cuts often represent the optimal choices.
A common dilemma involves selecting the right drive type. Budget-conscious buyers with room for a 2.5-inch slot in laptops or desktops will find a SATA SSD a dramatic improvement over conventional HDD boot drives. SATA SSDs also come in slim M.2 formats, though they are less prevalent amid the prevalence of swifter NVMe alternatives.
When weighing NVMe Generation 4 against Generation 5, a Gen 4 unit provides robust velocity for most needs. For users handling massive files frequently, a Gen 5 drive offers superior longevity. In general, for gaming rigs or basic productivity setups, investing in Gen 4 suffices.
Uncertain about your choice? Consult our detailed SSD selection guide for in-depth comparisons of solid-state drive varieties.
PCWorld conducts monthly evaluations of emerging SSDs, so for recommendations independent of current promotions, review our 2025 top SSD rankings. That said, our favored models occasionally feature in November sales, combining quality with affordability.
Alaina Yee, with 14 years in tech and gaming media, contributes diverse coverage to PCWorld. Joining in 2016, she has addressed topics including processors, Windows, system assembly, Chrome, Raspberry Pi, and beyond, while excelling as the outlet's deal expert. Her current emphasis lies in cybersecurity, guiding users on online protection strategies. Previous contributions include PC Gamer, IGN, Maximum PC, and Official Xbox Magazine.