Samsung, one of the largest manufacturers in the storage market, may be preparing a shift that won’t sit well with those still relying on the traditional format: 2.5-inch SATA SSDs. According to a leak reported by Notebookcheck, the company is considering completely halting the production of SATA SSDs after fulfilling existing contracts, which would mean a real reduction in supply (not just a rebranding or channel shift) and could lead to price increases and stock shortages over an extended period.
The warning comes from the leaker known as Moore’s Law Is Dead, who estimates market pressure could persist for up to 18 months. According to the analysis, this scenario could be “worse” for consumers than recent memory sector moves, precisely because it involves removing a finished product type from a leading manufacturer, rather than reallocating chips to third parties.
Why does this matter (even if SATA seems “old”)
SATA isn’t the newest technology, but it remains very common:
- In PCs and laptops that support 2.5″ drives but not NVMe.
- In enterprise equipment with long upgrade cycles.
- In mini PCs, industrial systems, or legacy integrations.
- In many home and SME NAS systems (where SATA still standard for 3.5″/2.5″ bays).
The key difference, according to the leak, is that Samsung wouldn’t just be “relabeling” NAND under different brands, but abandoning that category entirely. In markets sensitive to stock, this usually translates into two typical effects: fewer units available and rising prices, at least until demand decreases to match the new reality.
Domino effect: “buying frenzy” and enterprise spare parts
Notebookcheck mentions a common phenomenon when a product is rumored to face shortages: anticipatory buying. Integrators, stores, IT departments, and companies with SATA-based device fleets may try to secure spare drives (which can, by itself, spike short-term prices).
In other words: even if other brands fill the gap long-term, the initial disruption can be the most painful, especially in capacities typical for quick upgrades (like office equipment updates).
“Worse than Crucial”: why this comparison is made
The text compares this situation to Micron’s recent moves with the Crucial brand in consumer memory. The idea is simple: when a major manufacturer “steps back” from a brand to the public, the supply doesn’t always diminish, because the manufacturer might still supply chips to third-party vendors offering modules under other brands.
Conversely — according to the reasoning attributed to the leaker — if Samsung stops producing SATA SSDs as finished products, the reduction is straightforward: fewer ready-to-install SATA SSDs coming out of one of the sector’s most influential factories.
When might things return to normal?
The leak suggests that market pressure could ease by 2027, as both the market and manufacturers shift focus back toward consumer demand for fast storage in new hardware generations and local AI workloads. However, it also notes an important point: even if prices stabilize, the era of “cheap SATA” might not return, at least not with Samsung as a main player.
What can users do (without panic buying)
Without alarmism, there are some “common sense” steps if this rumor starts to confirm via market signals (stock shortages, sustained price hikes, etc.):
- Avoid panic buying: mass purchases often worsen shortages.
- If managing IT: plan for SATA spare drives (just enough, not unlimited stock).
- Consider migrating to NVMe when feasible (new hardware or reasonable adaptions).
- For NAS and systems with SATA bays: plan replacements with alternative brands and check compatibility.
- Monitor real supply levels: availability in stores, average prices, and delivery times.
Above all, remember that this is still a leak: significant, yes, but not an official announcement from Samsung.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Samsung officially confirmed it will stop producing SATA SSDs?
No, not in the information cited. It’s a leak shared by Moore’s Law Is Dead and reported by Notebookcheck.
Who would be most affected by a potential withdrawal of Samsung SATA SSDs?
Users and companies with equipment relying on SATA (older laptops, PCs without M.2 NVMe, NAS, and legacy systems with long refresh cycles).
Will all SSD prices rise or just SATA?
The rumor focuses on SATA due to supply reduction. However, the market could influence prices of other types if demand shifts away from them.
Is it sensible to buy SATA SSDs “just in case”?
Only if you need planned replacements in the short term. Buying out of fear could fuel shortages and drive prices higher.
via: notebookcheck