Hard drives on backorder for two years as AI data centers trigger HDD shortage — delays forcing rapid transition to QLC SSDs

AI data center expansion has created a severe shortage in enterprise hard drives, with backorders extending two years. Hyperscalers are pivoting to QLC NAND-based SSDs as an alternative, but this shift is depleting QLC production capacity through 2026. The shortage affects both enterprise and consumer markets, with NAND prices rising 50% and manufacturers operating with minimal buffer capacity. QLC NAND is projected to overtake TLC in popularity by early 2027 as the storage industry adapts to unprecedented AI-driven demand.