Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Transcend reportedly told customers in late 2025 that it had received no new NAND shipments from Samsung and SanDisk since October, that its fourth-quarter allocation had been cut, and that shipments of some storage products could be delayed. That warning was an early sign of a broader supply squeeze—not proof that SSDs had disappeared. By 2026, industry reporting described sharply reduced retail availability and record SSD pricing, but the impact still varies by product, supplier, and region.
What Transcend reportedly told customers
The warning came from customer correspondence reported by Tom’s Hardware on December 4, 2025, rather than a prominently accessible public press release. According to that report, Transcend said Samsung and SanDisk had delayed NAND deliveries and that it had received no new NAND shipments since October 2025. The company also reportedly said its fourth-quarter 2025 allocation had been reduced. Tom’s Hardware’s account of the customer letter is the basis for those claims.
The affected products were not limited to internal SSDs. Transcend sells SSDs, SD and microSD cards, and USB flash drives, all of which rely on flash memory. A separate December 2025 account said Transcend cited component-cost increases of roughly 50% to 100% and estimated disruption could continue for three to five months. Those figures were reported from the customer communication; they were not a universal price increase for finished drives. Technetbook’s December 2025 report carries those details.
What “no NAND since October” does—and does not—mean
Transcend is a storage module and device maker, not one of the small group of companies that manufacture most NAND wafers. A pause in fresh component deliveries can force a downstream company to use inventory, defer orders, reduce production, or prioritize certain models. It does not establish that every Transcend product was out of stock or that NAND production stopped.
#1 Best Overall
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
- It does not mean every SSD brand lost supply at the same time or to the same degree.
- It does not mean every store has run out of drives; older distributor or retail stock can remain available.
- It does not show that Samsung or SanDisk stopped manufacturing NAND. The reported issue was delayed supply to Transcend.
- It does not mean Transcend permanently stopped making SSDs.
Finished-drive availability also depends on controllers, firmware, assembly, product qualification, distribution, and inventory—not NAND alone. The shortage can therefore be severe for one model or channel while another remains on sale.
Why AI data centers can affect consumer storage
AI systems use high-capacity storage for training data, checkpoints, inference workloads, caching, and data pipelines. Cloud and infrastructure operators may secure supply through large-volume commitments and direct relationships with memory manufacturers. That purchasing power can put smaller module makers and retail channels at a disadvantage when available flash is allocated.
AI demand is an important pressure point, but it is not the whole explanation. Earlier production cuts, depleted inventories, stronger enterprise-storage demand, suppliers favoring higher-margin products, limited near-term capacity expansion, and buyers ordering early to protect future supply can all contribute. Not every storage product uses identical NAND, and supply decisions vary by flash type, density, customer contract, and intended market.
Rank #2
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
Why a component squeeze reaches retail SSDs
When NAND is constrained, suppliers and buyers do not necessarily share it evenly. Large cloud and AI infrastructure customers, enterprise SSD programs, PC and server OEM contracts, and other strategic high-volume buyers can receive priority over smaller module makers and retail channels. The sequence is not a fixed industry rule, but it helps explain why retail stock may tighten even while major manufacturers continue shipping selected products.
A maker can have controllers and assembly capacity available yet lack enough suitable NAND at a workable price. Retailers may still list products, but replenishment times and prices can change as lower-cost inventory sells through. The effect is uneven: geography, capacity, interface, flash type, and the terms of existing supply agreements all matter.
How serious is the price signal?
The reported 50%–100% rise concerned component costs, not the price consumers would necessarily see at checkout. Contract prices are negotiated supply prices; spot prices reflect shorter-term market quotations; distributors set wholesale channel prices; and retail prices also reflect existing stock, promotions, margins, and currency movements. A retailer with older inventory may hold a price temporarily, while a new shipment could arrive at a different cost.
Rank #3
- Capacity Display Variance: 250GB external ssd often appears as around 232GB on Windows. MacOS can show full 250 GB capacity. This is binary calculation difference and doesn’t affect SSD hard drive actual physical storage
- 1050 MB/s Speed: Instantly access to your files with blazing-fast 10Gbps external SSD read up to 1050MB/s and write up to 1000MB/s. LED Light indicates USB SSD instant activity
- Data Security: Solid state drives S.M.A.R.T. health diagnostics and adaptive TRIM optimizing data block management ensures consistent write speeds and extends the longevity of the portable SSD
- USB-C & USB-A Cable: Both cables featuring rapid USB 3.2 Gen2, this USB SSD effortlessly bridges devices, enabling seamless cross-platform file transfers and backup between computers, smartphones, tablets and iPhone
- Always Fast: No slowdowns for large file transfers. With SLC caching (25% of current available capacity allocated as high-speed cache), this external SSD delivers steady 10Gbps for transfers within the cache capacity
Drive capacity and NAND type matter too. TLC, QLC, MLC, and SLC are not interchangeable market categories, and prices for one do not directly predict every other type. A low-priced listing can also involve an older controller, different flash, refurbished stock, or a changed model revision. Compare the exact model number and warranty rather than relying on a brand name alone.
How the shortage developed after Transcend’s warning
- October 2025: Transcend reportedly stopped receiving new NAND shipments from the suppliers identified in the customer letter.
- November 2025: A later account described tightening or suspension of affected shipments.
- December 2025: Reports circulated about reduced allocation, cost increases, delayed products, and Transcend’s three-to-five-month estimate.
- First quarter 2026: Tom’s Hardware reported record SSD pricing amid the NAND shortage.
- First half 2026: Silicon Motion executive Nelson Duann characterized retail SSD availability as having “almost disappeared.” This was an executive’s assessment of the market, not a universal inventory count. Tom’s Hardware’s report on that assessment describes large buyers absorbing supply.
- June 30, 2026: A reported Biwin NAND purchase agreement began, committing $1.86 billion over 24 months at fixed pricing; the supplier was not identified. It illustrates storage makers’ efforts to secure supply, not a guarantee of broader market relief. Tom’s Hardware’s account of the deal provides the reported terms.
- July 13, 2026: TrendForce forecast a structural undersupply of SLC NAND in the second half of 2026 and projected SLC contract prices 120%–170% higher than in the first half. This is an SLC-specific forecast, not a prediction that all consumer SSD prices would rise by that amount. TrendForce’s forecast sets out the category and comparison period.
Silicon Motion commentary also suggested NAND shortages could worsen in 2027, but that is an industry outlook, not a settled outcome. Tom’s Hardware’s coverage attributes the outlook to the company’s executive.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesWhich storage products are most exposed?
Consumer TLC and QLC SSDs
Mainstream TLC drives can face allocation and price pressure as they compete for broad NAND supply. QLC drives are not automatically protected: their availability and economics depend on the specific generation and supplier. Neither type can be judged from a shortage headline alone.
Rank #4
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Enterprise SSDs
Enterprise drives may benefit from strategic prioritization and high-value contracts, but data-center demand can also tighten the flash pool available to retail products. Individual enterprise programs have their own qualification and supply requirements.
SATA SSDs
Older or lower-priority product lines may be more exposed when suppliers emphasize newer or higher-value offerings. However, reports that Samsung was ending consumer SATA SSD production were disputed; Samsung-linked reporting said production was not ending. Do not treat a SATA exit as established fact. The Outpost’s report covers the dispute.
Industrial storage, SD cards, and USB drives
Industrial and embedded products can depend on mature or specialized NAND, so they may face a different availability profile from mainstream PC drives. SD cards, microSD cards, and USB flash drives also use NAND, making Transcend’s reported warning relevant beyond computer SSDs.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallBest Value
- NEARLY 2X FASTER THAN OUR PREVIOUS GENERATION(8) – move 1,000 high-res photos in under 60 seconds(6) with up to 2000MB/s transfer speeds(2).
- IP65 RATING AND UP TO 3M DROP PROTECTION(3) – protects against spills and drops.
- POCKET-SIZED – fits easily in pockets and small bags.
- SPACE TO OWN YOUR AI CONTENT – speed and capacity to download your high-res clips and photo edits.
- 256-BIT AES ENCRYPTION(4) – helps keep private files secure with password protection.
What SSD buyers should do
If you need storage soon
- Compare prices for the specific capacity and model you need; do not assume a shortage means every drive is scarce or that prices will immediately double.
- Check the exact model number, seller, fulfillment status, warranty, and return terms. Similar product names can hide different revisions or components.
- Prioritize warranty, endurance, controller quality, firmware support, and reliable independent reviews over a familiar brand name alone.
- Buy only the capacity that serves a real workload. A larger drive is a better value only if its cost per usable terabyte is genuinely favorable.
If the purchase is discretionary
If your current storage is adequate, there is no evidence-based reason to panic-buy. Waiting may make sense, but the market evidence does not establish a near-term price drop or a definite end date for the squeeze.
If you need bulk or archival capacity
Compare HDDs, NAS storage, or cloud storage rather than assuming every byte must be on an SSD. HDDs can offer lower cost per terabyte for bulk storage, but they are not equivalent replacements for an operating-system drive, a laptop drive, or a high-I/O workload. NAS and cloud options add setup, network, recurring-cost, and restore-time considerations.
Keep an independent backup regardless of which storage device you buy. A second copy on another drive or a separate backup service addresses data loss; buying a larger SSD does not.
What to watch in the outlook
There are plausible paths to relief and continued pressure. Inventory replenishment, improved yields, additional production, or normalized demand could ease conditions. Conversely, continued AI and enterprise buying, capacity moving toward higher-margin products, or buyers securing supply earlier could prolong tightness. The initial three-to-five-month estimate was Transcend’s operational expectation in late 2025, not a reliable deadline for the whole NAND market. Later reporting and forecasts through July 2026 show why availability and pricing should be judged by model and market rather than a single end date.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
