What has value in a failed SSD
An SSD consists of a controller, sometimes a cache memory, and above all NAND flash chips that store the data. When it fails, the culprit is almost always the controller, the firmware or the power electronics. The NAND chips usually remain usable.
These chips are recovered during dismantling and reused as components. The value of a dead SSD is therefore the value of its memory, which explains two simple rules: the price depends on capacity, and it does not depend on whether the drive works.
How the price is calculated
At Recychips, an SSD's price is a price per terabyte, multiplied by the nominal capacity shown on the label. Three factors come into play:
- Form factor: 2.5" SATA, M.2 SATA, M.2 NVMe, mSATA or SAS/U.2 enterprise SSD. Each family carries different chips and has its own price per TB.
- Nominal capacity: the one printed on the label (512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB…), even if the system shows 0 bytes.
- Volume: for businesses, a volume-based trade price list raises the price per TB with the quantity of each format.
Current prices
Here is what an SSD earns, by format and capacity, according to our current price list:
| Format | 256 GB | 512 GB | 1 TB | 2 TB | 4 TB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5" SATA SSD | €3.07 | €6.14 | €12.00 | €24.00 | €48.00 |
| M.2 SATA SSD | €2.05 | €4.10 | €8.00 | €16.00 | €32.00 |
| M.2 NVMe SSD | €2.30 | €4.61 | €9.00 | €18.00 | €36.00 |
| mSATA / small form factor SSD | €0.64 | €1.28 | €2.50 | €5.00 | €10.00 |
| Enterprise SAS / U.2 SSD | €4.61 | €9.22 | €18.00 | €36.00 | €72.00 |
- DDR4 RAM modules : €1.00 / piece
- DDR5 RAM modules : €2.00 / piece
- DDR3 and older RAM modules : €0.50 / piece
- SD cards, USB sticks : €5.00 / kg
Current prices from our price list, updated automatically. Prices excl. VAT for businesses, net for private individuals.
What does it mean in practice?
On its own, a dead SSD earns a few euros: that is the value of its memory, not of a new drive. The benefit shows with volume: a drawer of recovered SSDs, an IT disposal batch or RMA returns quickly add up to tens or hundreds of euros, which you would otherwise have paid to have recycled.
Shipping is free from 20 TB (estimated), and a gift card bonus is added to the payment depending on the volume sent. The calculator in the online quote gives the exact amount for your batch in seconds.
What if your SSD still works?
Let's be honest: a healthy SSD of recent capacity usually sells for more second-hand, between individuals, than its component value. If you have one or two working drives and the time to sell them, that is often the best option.
Buy-back per terabyte makes sense for failed SSDs, small capacities with no second-hand value, or batches: no testing, no listings, no haggling, and guaranteed compliant processing. Just remember to wipe your SSDs before parting with them.
What about RAM, SD cards and USB sticks?
RAM modules are bought per piece, with one price per generation (DDR3, DDR4, DDR5), whatever their capacity: see sell RAM modules. Memory cards and USB sticks are paid by the kilo, with no sorting: see sell SD cards and USB sticks.
All these media can be combined in a single quote and a single parcel.
Tips to get the best price
- Choose the right format in the quote: an NVMe drive declared as mSATA would be undervalued.
- Keep the labels: they prove the nominal capacity.
- Group your shipments to reach free shipping and the bonus tiers.
- Business? Create a business account to access the volume-based price list.
- Attach photos of the batch and the labels: approval is faster and the final offer holds no surprises.
