How to Choose the Best SSD Memorial Day Deals
Before you jump on any SSD Memorial Day deals, it helps to match the drive to how you actually use your system. Gamers and content creators typically benefit most from PCIe NVMe drives, which deliver much higher read/write speeds for game load times, video timelines, and large project files. External SSDs are ideal when you need fast storage that moves between devices, such as a laptop, console, tablet, or phone. For bulk storage on a tight budget, SATA SSDs still win on price-per-terabyte, especially for media libraries and backups where top-tier speed is less critical. When comparing NVMe vs SATA pricing, look at capacity, quoted read/write performance, and any extra features like hardware encryption, thermal controls, and software suites. The deals below are ranked to make it easier to pick the right upgrade, whether you are building a new gaming rig, editing 4K video, or just giving an older machine new life.
Fastest Internal Pick: Samsung 990 PRO 1TB NVMe for Gaming and PS5
For raw speed, the standout Samsung 990 PRO discount is hard to ignore. The 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe model has dropped 22% to USD 249.99 (approx. RM1,150), down from its original USD 319.99 (approx. RM1,470). It delivers sequential read speeds up to 7,450 MB/s and writes up to 6,900 MB/s, with up to 1,550K IOPS, making it ideal for DirectStorage-enabled PC games and PlayStation 5 libraries that demand lightning-fast asset streaming. Samsung has also improved efficiency, quoting around 50% better performance per watt compared to the 980 PRO, which is especially useful for laptops and compact builds. Its nickel-coated controller, heat spreader label, and Smart Thermal Control help keep throttling at bay during long 4K video edits or 3D renders. If you want one of the best SSD deals for high-end gaming or professional workstations, this internal NVMe drive should top your shortlist.
Best External NVMe Value: Corsair EX400U 2TB for Mac and iOS Workflows
If you live in Apple’s ecosystem and want a huge speed and capacity boost, the Corsair EX400U SSD is one of the best SSD deals this season. Best Buy is currently selling the 2TB portable model at 62% off for USD 330 (approx. RM1,520), making it a compelling external NVMe vs SATA pricing win when you factor in speed. Connected over USB-C or Thunderbolt 4, it offers up to 4,000 MB/s read and 3,600 MB/s write performance, perfect for offloading raw video, large photo catalogs, and hefty app libraries. Creators can snap it onto an iPhone with MagSafe for on-the-go shoots, then plug directly into an iMac, MacBook, or iPad with simple plug-and-play. The Corsair SSD Toolbox software lets you monitor drive health, update firmware, and securely erase sensitive data. For Mac and iOS users who need a fast, flexible 2TB scratch disk and archive drive, this ranks as the top external pick.
Portable All-Rounder: Samsung T7 1TB for Backup and Creative Work
For a balanced mix of portability, speed, and security, the Samsung T7 Portable SSD 1TB is a strong mid-range option among SSD Memorial Day deals. Amazon has it marked down to USD 234.99 (approx. RM1,080), a 15% savings that makes it attractive for students, remote workers, and creators. Real-world speeds reach up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write, so moving large video clips, RAW photo shoots, or game installs takes seconds rather than minutes. The compact aluminum unibody is light enough to live in a backpack or laptop sleeve and offers drop resistance of around six feet, protecting your data from everyday knocks. AES 256-bit hardware encryption with optional password protection helps keep coursework, client assets, and financial documents secure. With broad device compatibility and ample room for projects and backups, the T7 is an excellent all-purpose portable SSD deal for people who move files between multiple systems.
Budget Workhorse: Kingston A400 SATA and When SATA Still Beats NVMe
Not everyone needs cutting-edge NVMe speeds, and that is where drives like the Kingston A400 SATA SSD continue to shine. While the spotlight often falls on PCIe models, price-per-terabyte comparisons show that SATA SSDs can still beat NVMe for bulk storage needs such as game archives, photo libraries, or PC backups. The Kingston A400 line remains popular because it offers reliable solid-state performance, silent operation, and dramatically faster boot and load times than traditional hard drives, at capacities that are easier on the wallet. For secondary or tertiary storage, especially in desktops with multiple 2.5-inch bays, a larger SATA SSD often delivers more usable space for less money than an equivalently sized NVMe. The smartest SSD Memorial Day deals strategy is often a hybrid: a fast NVMe like the Samsung 990 PRO for your OS and active projects, paired with a spacious SATA drive like the A400 to handle everything else.