SSD Recommendations Summary:

Pricing Trends:

• Prices of SSDs are expected to remain high for the next 6-12 months.
• Manufacturers are not anticipating any relief in supply or pricing until at least 2028.
• The current shortage is affecting all devices using memory chips.

Buying Advice:

• If you need an SSD immediately, purchase one now, preferably with QLC for longer lifespan.
• For those considering waiting 6-12 months, it implies that there may not be an urgent need for an SSD.
• Prices of SSDs are likely to continue increasing.
• It's recommended to buy SSDs now if you can due to rising prices.

Specific SSD Recommendations:

• Consider Samsung 990 Pro, WD Black SN850X for high performance and reliability.
• Crucial T500, WD Blue SN770 are budget-friendly options.
• Kingston NV3, Crucial P*, Silicon Power are advised against due to QLC flash.
• Kioxia Exceria Plus G3, WD Blue SN5000, Samsung 990 EVO Plus offer similar performance to more expensive options for gaming.

Form Factor and NAND Differences:

• m.2 is a form factor, while NVMe is a data interface.
• TLC NAND is generally preferred over QLC for better durability and performance, especially for system drives.
• DRAM in an SSD helps with mapping and health data storage, contributing to better performance, especially in mixed read/write workloads.

Local Deals and Pricing Fluctuations:

• Check local retailers like Staples, Best Buy, or Walmart for potential deals on SSDs.
• Prices for SSDs have already doubled in some cases, with uncertainties around future increases.

General Recommendations:

• Opt for SSDs with PCIe Gen 4 or Gen 5, preferably with TLC NAND for better performance.
• Brand recommendations include Samsung, Western Digital, Kingston, and Kioxia.
• Ensure compatibility with motherboard and consider the intended use case before selecting an SSD.