Kioxia Confirms the End of the Era of Affordable SSDs
A high-ranking executive from Kioxia, one of the world's leading producers of NAND memory, has stated that the era of low-cost solid-state drives has come to an end. The Japanese firm has all its manufacturing capacity committed until 2027, indicating demand pressure far exceeding what the market can supply. This scenario suggests that the value of components and finished devices will remain high for a long period. 📈
The Industry Cannot Produce Enough
The sector is going through a phase of significant shortage where memory chip manufacturers cannot produce enough to meet their clients' orders. Kioxia confirms that its manufacturing capacity is allocated long-term, reflecting a trend that dominates the entire flash memory business. This reality directly impacts those who assemble computers, consoles, and other electronic devices that require these components.
Immediate Consequences of the Shortage:- End-product manufacturers face difficulties obtaining memory chips.
- Delivery times for components are significantly extended.
- Medium-term production planning becomes complex and uncertain.
The dream of a terabyte for a hundred euros now resides in a mechanical hard drive, with its noise and limited speed.
The End User Perceives the Price Increase
People looking to upgrade their equipment or buy a new computer find that SSDs have a higher cost. The hope of buying high-capacity units without spending much money fades as the industry adjusts its plans. This scenario forces a reconsideration of budgets for building a system, where fast storage ceases to be an affordable element.
Impact on Component Selection:- Budgets for building a PC shift toward other parts.
- The capacity-price ratio of SSDs deteriorates.
- Traditional hard drives (HDDs) regain appeal for storing large volumes of data.
A Landscape That Extends Over Time
Kioxia's statement is not an isolated fact, but a symptom of the current conditions in the semiconductor market. With production sold years in advance, it is unlikely that the situation will change in the short term. Consumers and manufacturers must prepare for a cycle where premium solid storage will have a value commensurate with its high demand and limited production. 💾