Solid State Drives (SSDs) have revolutionized the way we store and access data on our computers. The Samsung 990 Pro, one of the latest additions to the SSD market, has garnered significant attention for its powerful performance and impressive features. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of this storage powerhouse, exploring its features, applications, and how it stacks up against the competition.
What is PCIe 4.0 and why does it matter?
PCIe 4.0 is the latest and fastest interface for SSDs. It offers double the data rate of PCIe 3.0, which is the common standard for most SSDs. This means that PCIe 4.0 SSDs can reach near the max speed of 8 GB/s, while PCIe 3.0 SSDs can only reach up to 4 GB/s.
The higher speed of PCIe 4.0 SSDs translates to faster loading times, smoother gameplay, and more responsive applications. It also enables more storage capacity and better power efficiency.
However, not all systems support PCIe 4.0 SSDs. You need a compatible motherboard and CPU to take advantage of this technology. Currently, only AMD’s X570 and B550 platforms support PCIe 4.0 with Ryzen 3000 and 5000 series processors.
Features of the Samsung 990 Pro SSD
The Samsung 990 Pro SSD is designed for tech enthusiasts, hardcore gamers, and heavy-workload professionals who want the ultimate performance from their storage devices. Here are some of the key features of this SSD:
- PCIe 4.0 speed maximized: The Samsung 990 Pro SSD can reach near the maximum performance of PCIe 4.0. It offers sequential read/write speeds up to 7,450/6,900 MB/s, which is about 40% and 55% faster than the previous generation Samsung 980 Pro SSD. It also delivers impressive random read/write speeds up to 1,400K/1,550K IOPS for the 2TB model and up to 1,600K IOPS for the 4TB model.
- Breakthrough power efficiency: The Samsung 990 Pro SSD is not only fast but also efficient. It uses less power with over 50% improved performance per watt over the Samsung 980 Pro SSD. This means you can get more out of your battery life and reduce your carbon footprint. The Samsung 990 Pro SSD also features a low-power mode that can save up to 30% of power consumption when idle.
- Smart thermal solution: The Samsung 990 Pro SSD is equipped with a nickel-coated controller and a cutting-edge thermal control algorithm that manages heat for unwavering performance. The heat spreader label on the back of the SSD controls NAND chip heat, while the Dynamic Thermal Guard monitors and adjusts the temperature to keep it optimal. The Samsung 990 Pro SSD also comes with an optional heatsink with RGB lighting that can further enhance cooling and aesthetics.
- Game like a pro: The Samsung 990 Pro SSD is compatible with both PC and PlayStation® 5 platforms, offering the best gameplay experience for gamers. With its expanded 4TB capacity, you can store more games and enjoy faster loading times. The Samsung 990 Pro SSD also supports DirectStorage technology from Microsoft, which leverages the multiple GB/s speed of modern NVMe SSDs to load games faster than before.
- Samsung Magician software: The Samsung 990 Pro SSD comes with a user-friendly suite of optimization tools called Samsung Magician software. This software allows you to unlock the full power of your SSD, protect valuable data, monitor drive health, and get important updates.
Specifications of the Samsung 990 Pro SSD
The Samsung 990 Pro SSD is available in two capacities: 2TB and 4TB. Here are some of the technical specifications of this SSD:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe |
| Form Factor | M.2 (2280) |
| NAND Flash Memory | V8 (176-layer) TLC |
| Controller | Samsung Elpis |
| DRAM Cache Memory | LPDDR4 |
| Sequential Read/Write Speed | Up to 7,450/6,900 MB/s |
| Random Read/Write Speed | Up to 1,400K/1,550K IOPS (2TB), Up to 1,600K/1,550K IOPS (4TB) |
| Power Consumption | Average: 6.5W (2TB), 7W (4TB), Maximum: 9W (Burst mode) |
| Reliability | MTBF: 1.5 million hours |
| Warranty | Five-year limited warranty or up to TBW |
Performance of the Samsung 990 Pro SSD
The Samsung 990 Pro SSD has been tested by various reviewers and benchmarking tools, and it has shown outstanding performance in various scenarios. Here are some of the results from different sources:
- Tom’s Hardware: The reviewer praised the Samsung 990 Pro SSD for its “stellar” performance in both synthetic and real-world tests. He noted that it was “the fastest consumer-grade PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe drive we’ve tested” and that it “excels everywhere it matters”. He also commented on its relatively low power consumption and high endurance. He gave it a 4.5/5 rating and an Editor’s Choice award.
- TechRadar: The reviewer was impressed by the Samsung 990 Pro SSD’s “blazing fast” speed and “solid” capacities. He stated that it was “a stellar M.2 SSD for both professional users and gamers alike” and that it “should be at the top of your list if you’re looking to upgrade or do a new PC build”. He gave it a 4.5/5 rating and a Recommended award.
- AnandTech: The reviewer compared the Samsung 990 Pro SSD with other PCIe 4.0 SSDs and found that it was “the clear leader in most of our benchmarks”. He remarked that it was “the first PCIe 4.0 SSD to offer a substantial performance improvement over the best PCIe 3.0 drives” and that it was “a very well-rounded product”. He gave it a positive verdict and an Editor’s Choice award.
Price of the Samsung 990 Pro SSD
The Samsung 990 Pro SSD is priced at $499.99 for the 2TB model and $999.99 for the 4TB model. This is comparable to other high-end PCIe 4.0 SSDs in the market, such as the Western Digital Black SN850 and the Corsair MP600 Pro. The optional heatsink with RGB lighting costs an extra $29.99.
Comparison of the Samsung 990 Pro SSD with other PCIe 4.0 SSDs
The Samsung 990 Pro SSD is not the only PCIe 4.0 SSD on the market. There are other options from different brands that offer similar or slightly lower performance, capacity, and price. Here are some of the main competitors of the Samsung 990 Pro SSD:
| SSD | Sequential Read/Write Speed | Random Read/Write Speed | Capacity | Heatsink | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung 990 Pro | 7,450/6,900 MB/s | 1,400K/1,550K IOPS (2TB), 1,600K/1,550K IOPS (4TB) | 2TB, 4TB | Optional with RGB lighting | $499.99 (2TB), $999.99 (4TB) |
| Western Digital Black SN850 | 7,100/5,300 MB/s | 1,000K/720K IOPS | 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB | Optional | $159 (1TB), $289 (2TB), $699 (4TB) |
| Corsair MP600 Pro | 7,000/6,550 MB/s | 1,000K/1,000K IOPS | 1TB, 2TB | Pre-installed with RGB lighting | $199 (1TB), $399 (2TB) |
| Sabrent Rocket | 5,000/4,400 MB/s | 750K/750K IOPS | 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 8TB | No | $200 (1TB), $400 (2TB), $1,500 (8TB) |
As you can see from the table, the Samsung 990 Pro SSD has the highest sequential and random read/write speeds among the four SSDs. It also has the same capacity options as the Western Digital Black SN850 SSD. However, it is more expensive than the other SSDs. The optional heatsink with RGB lighting adds an extra $29.99 to the price. The Western Digital Black SN850 SSD is slightly slower than the Samsung 990 Pro SSD in terms of speed, but it is cheaper and also has an optional heatsink. The Corsair MP600 Pro SSD is similar to the Western Digital Black SN850 SSD in terms of speed and price, but it only has a maximum capacity of 2TB and comes with a pre-installed heatsink with RGB lighting. The Sabrent Rocket SSD is the slowest and cheapest among the four SSDs. It also has the largest capacity option of 8TB and does not come with a heatsink.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Samsung 990 Pro is a standout SSD that combines impressive speed, durability, and compatibility to serve a wide range of users. Whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or business professional, this SSD can elevate your computing experience and provide the performance you need. While it may come at a slightly higher price point, the benefits it offers make it a worthy investment for those who seek top-tier storage solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Is the Samsung 990 Pro compatible with my laptop?
The 990 Pro is compatible with a wide range of laptops and desktops, thanks to its M.2 form factor.
- How does the 990 Pro compare to the 980 Pro?
The 990 Pro offers even higher speeds and improved durability compared to the 980 Pro.
- What is the warranty period for the Samsung 990 Pro?
The 990 Pro typically comes with a limited warranty, usually covering several years.
- Can the 990 Pro improve gaming performance?
Yes, the 990 Pro can significantly improve gaming performance by reducing load times and enhancing data access.
- Is the Samsung 990 Pro worth the investment?
If you prioritize top-tier storage performance, speed, and reliability, the 990 Pro is a worthwhile investment for your computing needs.
