Buying guides
Sourced and dated. Each guide says when it was published, when it was last reviewed, and what we can’t know — in that order of importance.
Hard Drives Are Sold Out for 2026 — What to Do If You Need Storage Now
Three manufacturers have already sold their entire 2026 production to AI data centres. Prices are up 46% since September 2025 and waiting will not help — here is what to do instead.
Published 2026-08-23 · Last reviewed 2026-08-23
Should You Buy a NAS in 2026? The Drive Prices Are the Whole Decision
Hard drives are sold out for the year and prices are up 46% since September 2025. Here's how that changes the maths on buying a NAS — and why the enclosure is now the cheap part.
Published 2026-08-20 · Last reviewed 2026-08-23
Should You Buy PC Parts Now or Wait? The 2026 Memory Squeeze, Explained
The usual advice is to wait for Black Friday. In 2026 that advice is backwards for RAM and storage — and here's how to tell which side of it your build is on.
Published 2026-08-19 · Last reviewed 2026-08-23