Western Digital has been able to start resuming hard drive production in flood-ravaged Thailand earlier this week. It was a surprise for the industry, though a pleasant one.
Ending the shortage will take time of course, but this will answer some of the questions and end some of the speculation.
Western Digital expects the shortage will extend until at least March. So if you’re in the market for a drive and can wait, think about late spring or early summer. Seagate wasn’t affected as much, but since Western Digital hasn’t been able to produce drives, Seagate isn’t able to take up all of the slack. That’s why drive prices are up across the board, regardless of make.
David Farquhar is a computer security professional, entrepreneur, and author. He started his career as a part-time computer technician in 1994, worked his way up to system administrator by 1997, and has specialized in vulnerability management since 2013. He invests in real estate on the side and his hobbies include O gauge trains, baseball cards, and retro computers and video games. A University of Missouri graduate, he holds CISSP and Security+ certifications. He lives in St. Louis with his family.