The End of Affordable SSDs: How AI is Driving Up Storage Prices Through 2027

The $45 1TB SSD is dead. Kioxia’s exec just confirmed the AI boom has killed budget storage prices—and they won’t return until 2027.

1TB SSD prices have surged 50-132% since late 2023, with SATA models starting at $73 (up 50% from 2023 lows). Kioxia has sold out 2026 NAND production and expects shortages to persist through 2027.

Key price hikes include Corsair MP700 Pro XT (+38%), Samsung 990 Pro (+83%), WD SN700 (+132%), and Samsung 870 Evo (+51%).

Kioxia's Memory Business Unit Managing Director Shunsuke Nakato said:

To be honest, this year's production volume is already sold out. The days of cheap 1TB SSDs for around 7,000 yen... are over.

Kioxia’s distribution strategy prioritizes long-term partners over auctions, using “gentleman’s agreement” supply plans. This contrasts with industry norms that rely on auction-based NAND allocation.

Meanwhile, Kitakami factory will begin BiCS8 flash production, while Yokkaichi uses AI/50TB/day data analysis to optimize yield.