AI Demand Pushes Enterprise SSD Prices Up 25% in Q2

The increasing demand for enterprise SSDs, largely driven by the deployment of AI applications and NVIDIA GPU platforms, led to a significant price increase in Q2 2024. According to TrendForce’s recent report (thanks TechPowerUP), a surge in demand from server brands and a shortage in supply pushed enterprise SSD contract prices up by 25% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ). This price hike has boosted supplier revenues by over 50%.

AI and Storage Needs Drive SSD Market Growth

The second quarter of 2024 saw suppliers struggle to adjust their production capacities to meet the growing demand for high-capacity SSDs, primarily driven by AI storage needs. As a result, server brands and cloud service providers (CSPs) continued to increase their orders. Looking ahead to Q3, TrendForce forecasts a further 15% rise in SSD contract prices, with supplier revenues expected to climb by nearly 20%.

“Samsung maintained its leadership position in Q2, with revenues hitting $2.48 billion,” the report stated. The company benefited from the market recovery and increased orders for its PCIe 5.0 products. SK hynix also saw growth, with total revenues reaching $1.824 billion, thanks to increased shipments of its QLC SSDs.

Micron, ranked third in market share, significantly boosted its shipment volumes with the early mass production of high-capacity SSDs. Other major players like Kioxia and WDC also experienced growth in Q2, although WDC faced slower demand due to delays in PCIe interface product development.