Hard drives, RAM and SD cards have seen their prices skyrocket as the demand for memory-hungry AI data centers continues to rise. Consumers are left footing the bill, with SSD prices hitting new highs.

However, this Prime Day brings some respite; the Samsung 990 Evo Plus SSD is currently on sale at $370, a significant drop from previous prices of over $600. The 2TB model tops our list as an ideal drive for intensive tasks such as video editing and gaming.

While faster drives are available, the 990 Pro's performance meets or exceeds its claimed speeds, making it a solid choice for those with demanding needs. It generates minimal heat, adding to its appeal as a reliable storage solution. For budget-conscious buyers, Lexar’s Silver cards offer cheaper alternatives for less intensive tasks.

The good news is that SD card prices have not risen quite as dramatically and remain reasonably priced, though you might want to stick with trusted brands like Lexar if you're serious about quality and longevity.