The Ultimate Guide to Black Friday SSD and Storage Deals in 2024
Black Friday is just around the corner, but the holiday shopping excitement has already kicked off. Retailers are launching early markdowns on essential tech items, including SSDs, portable drives, and microSD cards. If you’re considering storage enhancements for your PC, gaming console, or other devices, now is an excellent opportunity to grab some bargains. Below, we’ve gathered the best Black Friday storage deals of 2024, along with tips to aid you in making informed choices.
Why Storage Upgrades Are Worth It
H3: Enhancing Device Performance
Upgrading your storage can greatly improve the functionality of your devices. Whether you’re a gamer in search of quicker load times or a professional requiring immediate access to large files, SSDs and high-speed microSD cards can provide a significant improvement. For example, PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 SSDs deliver lightning-fast speeds that are ideal for gaming PCs or workstations.
H3: Increasing Storage Capacity
Running low on space can be vexing, particularly if you’re dealing with large files or have a vast media library. Portable SSDs and high-capacity microSD cards are fantastic solutions for increasing storage without the need to replace your current hardware.
The Best Black Friday SSD Deals in 2024
H3: WD Black SN850X (2TB) PCIe 4.0 SSD – $124 at Amazon
The WD Black SN850X stands out as a premier PCIe 4.0 SSD and an excellent option for gaming or everyday use. While this isn’t its lowest price ever, it’s the best reduction we’ve observed in 2024. If you’re upgrading a PS5, consider the variant with a heatsink for just $9 extra.
H3: Crucial T705 (1TB) PCIe 5.0 SSD with Heatsink – $130 at Amazon
For those aiming for top-notch performance, the Crucial T705 PCIe 5.0 SSD is an outstanding selection. While most users may not require PCIe 5.0 speeds, this drive is perfect for power users with compatible motherboards. This offer represents the lowest price for the 1TB version with a heatsink.
H3: Crucial P3 (2TB) PCIe 3.0 SSD – $105 at Amazon
If you’re upgrading an older system, the Crucial P3 PCIe 3.0 SSD is a solid and economical option. While it’s not at its historical low, this is the best price we’ve encountered since February.
Portable SSDs: Compact and Dependable Storage
H3: Crucial X9 Pro (1TB) Portable SSD – $80 at Amazon
The Crucial X9 Pro is our top recommendation for portable SSDs, delivering reliable performance in a sturdy, compact design. Although it was available at a lower price last year, this is the best deal we’ve found in 2024.
H3: Kingston XS1000 (1TB) Portable SSD – $64 at Amazon
The Kingston XS1000 is another superb portable SSD, even though it lacks water resistance and a USB-C to USB-C cable. Despite these minor limitations, it’s an exceptional value, particularly at this discounted rate.
H3: Crucial X10 Pro (1TB) Portable SSD – $91 at Amazon
For those requiring faster speeds, the Crucial X10 Pro is an upgrade from the X9 Pro. It’s ideal for devices that support USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 speeds, making it a fantastic choice for both professionals and gamers.
MicroSD Cards: Expand Storage for Tablets, Cameras, and More
H3: Samsung Evo Select (256GB) MicroSD Card – $18 at Amazon
The Samsung Evo Select is an affordable microSD card suitable for devices such as the Nintendo Switch or Fire tablets. This deal represents a new low for the 2024 version.
H3: Kingston Canvas Go Plus (128GB) MicroSD Card – $11 at B&H
The Kingston Canvas Go Plus is a reliable choice for general storage requirements. Although its write speeds aren’t the highest, it remains a trustworthy option for most users.
H3: Samsung Pro Plus (1TB) MicroSD Card – $90 at Amazon
For those needing high-end performance, the Samsung Pro Plus is the top microSD card available. It’s particularly well-suited for portable gaming PCs and devices such as the Raspberry Pi.
USB Flash Drives: Compact and Convenient
H3: Samsung Fit Plus (256GB) USB Flash Drive – $19 at Amazon
The Samsung Fit Plus is a minuscule USB flash drive that’s ideal for everyday usage. While it may not be the fastest choice, it’s compact enough to attach to a keychain and highly portable.
Wrap Up
Black Friday presents an ideal opportunity to upgrade your storage solutions, whether you’re interested in SSDs, portable drives, or microSD cards. While some offers aren’t at their historical lows, they still provide considerable savings compared to recent months. Keep an eye on these price cuts as they may fluctuate as Black Friday approaches.
FAQs About Black Friday Storage Deals
H3: 1. Are these the lowest prices we’ll see this year?
Not necessarily. While many of these offers are the best we’ve seen in 2024, storage prices can change. It’s advisable to track prices through Cyber Monday for any potential further discounts.
H3: 2. What’s the difference between PCIe 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 SSDs?
The primary difference is speed. PCIe 5.0 SSDs deliver the fastest performance, followed by PCIe 4.0 and 3.0. However, your motherboard must support the corresponding standard to fully utilize these speeds.
H3: 3. Are portable SSDs better than external hard drives?
Portable SSDs are quicker, more durable, and more compact when compared to external hard drives. However, they are generally pricier per gigabyte.
H3: 4. Can I use a microSD card for gaming consoles?
Yes, microSD cards are frequently used to augment storage for gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch. Just make sure to select a card with adequate speed and capacity.
H3: 5. Should I purchase a heatsink version of an SSD?
If you’re installing the SSD in a device that generates considerable heat, like a gaming PC or PS5, a heatsink can assist in maintaining ideal performance.
H3: 6. Are Black Friday deals better than Cyber Monday deals?
It varies. Some retailers provide exclusive discounts on Black Friday, while others reserve their best offers for Cyber Monday. It’s wise to compare prices on both days.
H3: 7. How do I confirm a storage device is compatible with my system?
Review your device’s specifications to confirm compatibility. For example, verify the type of SSD your motherboard supports (PCIe 3.0, 4.0, or 5.0) or the maximum capacity of microSD cards your device can accommodate.
With this information in hand, you are now prepared to take full advantage of Black Friday storage deals. Happy shopping!
