With every new release, Samsung continues to lead the solid-state drive (SSD) market. By pushing the envelope in terms of economy and performance. With the potential to completely transform the experience for gamers, video makers, and tech enthusiasts. Their most recent products, the Samsung 980 Pro vs. 990 Pro, are strong contenders in the storage solutions market. And with its powerful Elpis controller, PCIe Gen 4 interface, and V6 TLC NAND flash. This translated into astounding sequential read and write rates of up to 7,000 MB/s and 5,000 MB/s, respectively, the Samsung 980 Pro, which debuted in 2021, set a new standard for high-performance SSDs.
Building on this accomplishment, Samsung announced a major performance improvement with the release of the 990 Pro in early 2023. With its improved V7 TLC NAND memory, optimized software, and updated Pascal controller, the 990 Pro achieves even higher sequential read and write speeds—7,450 MB/s and 6,900 MB/s, respectively. Although the speed of both SSDs is quite good, the 990 Pro is better suited for demanding jobs like scientific computing and video editing because of its advantages in random read and write operations. Furthermore, the 990 Pro’s RGB-enabled heatsink guarantees peak performance even with prolonged use—a feature that the 980 Pro lacks.
The decision between these two excellent SSDs ultimately comes down to personal preferences and financial constraints, with the 990 Pro being the better option for those looking for the best possible storage performance. Nevertheless, the 980 Pro continues to be a strong and affordable choice.
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Quick Summary
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The Samsung 980 PRO NVMe SSD is a pinnacle of high-performance storage, meticulously designed for demanding users in search of swift solutions. Boasting read speeds of as high as 7,000 MB/s, it is double as quick as PCIe 3.0 and 12.7 times quicker than SATA SSDs. It operates by Samsung's Elpis Controllers for PCIe 4.0 SSDs. Write rates up to 5,000 MB/s, an M.2 2280 form factor, a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface, and capacities up to 2TB are some of the key features. Samsung Magician software enhances optimization and monitoring. With a low power consumption of 2.5W idle and 5.5W under load, it suits various computing environments. The 980 PRO emphasizes durability with a 5-year warranty and write endurance of up to 1,440 TBW. Paired with Samsung Magician, it stands as a stellar SSD choice, delivering exceptional speed, performance, and reliability—ideal for users demanding peak storage performance. |
The Samsung 990 PRO emerges as a top-tier PCIe 4.0 SSD, meeting the demands of users seeking rapid and dependable storage solutions. Its notable read and write speeds ensure efficient performance, standing out for its exceptional energy efficiency—consuming 30% less power than its predecessor, marking it among the most power-efficient SSDs. Designed for longevity, the 990 PRO boasts an impressive endurance rating of up to 1,200 TBW for its 2TB variant. Stellar software, including Samsung Magician, aids seamless SSD management with features like firmware updates, performance optimization, and data security. Despite its premium price reflecting outstanding performance and durability, the 990 PRO has limitations, exclusively offering 1TB and 2TB capacities, potentially falling short for users requiring larger storage. Early firmware issues impacting drive health have been addressed, but prospective buyers should stay informed. Nonetheless, the Samsung 990 PRO remains an exceptional high-performance SSD, striking a commendable balance between speed, durability, and energy efficiency—ideal for users with demanding storage needs. |
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The Samsung 980 PRO NVMe SSD is a pinnacle of high-performance storage, meticulously designed for demanding users in search of swift solutions. Boasting read speeds of as high as 7,000 MB/s, it is double as quick as PCIe 3.0 and 12.7 times quicker than SATA SSDs. It operates by Samsung's Elpis Controllers for PCIe 4.0 SSDs. Write rates up to 5,000 MB/s, an M.2 2280 form factor, a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface, and capacities up to 2TB are some of the key features.
Samsung Magician software enhances optimization and monitoring. With a low power consumption of 2.5W idle and 5.5W under load, it suits various computing environments. The 980 PRO emphasizes durability with a 5-year warranty and write endurance of up to 1,440 TBW. Paired with Samsung Magician, it stands as a stellar SSD choice, delivering exceptional speed, performance, and reliability—ideal for users demanding peak storage performance.
- Exceptional performance
- High endurance
- AES 256-bit encryption
- Five-year warranty
- High price
- Limited SLC caching
- Not all PCIe 4.0 motherboards support it
The Samsung 990 PRO emerges as a top-tier PCIe 4.0 SSD, meeting the demands of users seeking rapid and dependable storage solutions. Its notable read and write speeds ensure efficient performance, standing out for its exceptional energy efficiency—consuming 30% less power than its predecessor, marking it among the most power-efficient SSDs. Designed for longevity, the 990 PRO boasts an impressive endurance rating of up to 1,200 TBW for its 2TB variant. Stellar software, including Samsung Magician, aids seamless SSD management with features like firmware updates, performance optimization, and data security.
Despite its premium price reflecting outstanding performance and durability, the 990 PRO has limitations, exclusively offering 1TB and 2TB capacities, potentially falling short for users requiring larger storage. Early firmware issues impacting drive health have been addressed, but prospective buyers should stay informed. Nonetheless, the Samsung 990 PRO remains an exceptional high-performance SSD, striking a commendable balance between speed, durability, and energy efficiency—ideal for users with demanding storage needs.
- Excellent performance
- High durability
- Energy efficient
- Excellent software
- Five-year warranty
- can be expansive
- Limited capacity
- Initial firmware issues
Samsung 980 Pro vs. 990 Pro Controller
Samsung 980 Pro
High-performance NVMe SSDs using Samsung’s controllers include the Samsung 990 Pro and 980 Pro. Nonetheless, the two controllers differ in a few significant ways. The Samsung Elpis controller, a multi-core Arm architecture based on DRAM that strikes a mix between high performance and energy economy, is included in the Samsung 980 PRO. The PCIe 4.0 x4 interface is supported, allowing for quick data transmission.
Samsung 990 Pro
In comparison to the Samsung 980 Pro, the Samsung 990 Pro controller is more sophisticated, effective, and quick, providing better performance at reduced power usage. The Samsung 990 PRO NVMe M.2 SSD is powered by an ARM-based controller dubbed the Samsung Pascal, which was created internally and is produced with Samsung’s 8nm manufacturing technology. When compared to its predecessor, the Elpis controller featured in the Samsung 980 PRO SSD, this controller delivers several noteworthy improvements.
Samsung 980 pro vs 990 pro NAND flash
Samsung 980 pro
The Samsung 990 Pro and 980 Pro are high-speed NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSDs suitable for demanding applications, gaming, and creative professions. They differ in their NAND memory technology and performance. With the 990 Pro supporting Host Memory Buffering (HMB), SMART, and TRIM. Both drives arrive with a five-year guarantee. The Samsung 980 Pro is a heightened-performance PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD utilizing Samsung’s proprietary 128-layer TLC NAND flash memory. Which counteracts capacity and undertaking by storing three bits of data per cell.
Samsung 990 pro
The Samsung 990 Pro is a superior SSD to the 980 Pro due to its longer lifespan, quicker performance, and more effective design. It uses 176-layer TLC NAND flash memory, offering increased density, better performance, endurance, and lower power consumption. The 990 PRO also features longer write cycles. Better random read-and-write IOPS, and quicker sequential read-and-write rates. This energy-efficient storage option uses less power. It also includes a pseudo-SLC (pSLC) cache for quicker write rates and managing bursts of write data during gaming or content production workflows. The combination of these technologies creates a strong and effective storage solution. For demanding customers seeking high performance, durability, and dependability
Durability
Samsung 980 Pro
With a high-performance NVMe SSD. The Samsung 980 Pro has a terabyte written (TBW) rating of up to 1,200TB for the 2TB variant. Samsung’s V-NAND TLC flash memory. Which is less prone to fail over time and more robust than other varieties, which is responsible for its longevity. Over-provisioning, Dynamic Thermal Guard, and Low-Density Parity-Check (LDPC) ECC are further features that increase its endurance. These functions prolong the drive’s life, guard against overheating, and shield data from corruption.
Additionally, the drive has Samsung Magician software installed, which monitors the health of the drive. Enhances performance, and secures data to help safeguard it and prolong its life. Because of its high TBW rating and extensive warranty. The Samsung 980 Pro is a dependable and durable storage option that can withstand heavy workloads. Users looking for this kind of storage should consider it.
Samsung 990 Pro
When comparing the Samsung 980 Pro to the Samsung 990 Pro. The Samsung 990 Pro is a PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD that offers superior performance and endurance. Its ratings are 600 terabytes written (TBW) for 1TB and 2TB capacities and 1,200 TBW for 4TB capacities. It performs well for labor-intensive duties like videotape editing, gaming, and content production. The drive is equipped with a Samsung V7 TLC NAND flash. Which is less prone to data loss and more resilient than earlier versions.
Overheating is avoided by Dynamic Thermal Guard (DTG). The lifespan of the drive is extended by Wear Levelling, which equally distributes writes across it.
Capacity Option
Samsung 980 Pro
The Samsung 980 Pro SSD is offered in various capacities to cater to diverse user needs. Starting with the smallest option, the 250GB variant is ideal for budget-conscious users, though it may have comparatively slower read and write speeds. Moving up, the 500GB capacity provides a balanced choice, suitable for most users and gamers looking to store several large games. The 1TB option emerges as the most popular, accommodating users engaged in activities like video editing, gaming, or handling substantial files. Finally, the 2TB variant stands as the largest capacity, designed for power users with intensive storage requirements, albeit being the priciest choice. Whether seeking affordability, balanced performance, or maximal storage, the Samsung 980 Pro SSD line delivers versatile options to meet a spectrum of user preferences.
Samsung 990 Pro
The Samsung 990 Pro SSD offers high-performance storage solutions across three capacities: 1TB, 2TB, and 4 TB. Boasting impressive sequential read speeds of up to 7,450 MB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 6,900 MB/s, along with random read speeds of up to 1,600,000 IOPS and random write speeds of up to 1,550,000 IOPS, the 990 Pro is a PCIe 4.0 SSD designed for optimal efficiency.
Pricing varies with capacity, with the 1TB model priced at approximately $124.99, the 2TB model at $179.99, and the 4TB model at $309.99. Additionally, an option with a heatsink is available, enhancing thermal management for improved performance and reliability, albeit at a slightly higher cost.
Comparatively, the Samsung 980 Pro is a notable alternative with its range of capacities. And the 980 Pro may offer a more budget-friendly choice with different performance characteristics.
980 Pro vs 990 Pro Sequential Read Speed
Samsung 980 Pro
The Samsung 980 Pro boasts an impressive advertised sequential read speed of up to 7,000 MB/s, and real-world performance consistently falls within the range of 6,500 MB/s to 7,000 MB/s in both benchmarks and practical usage scenarios. Factors influencing speed include queue depth, reaching peak levels at higher depths, and the SLC cache size, with performance gradually slowing as the cache fills up. Benchmark scores from CrystalDiskMark often exceed 6,800 MB/s, while the ATTO Disk Benchmark demonstrates sustained speeds surpassing 7,000 MB/s based on file size.
In the AS SSD Benchmark, the drive scores around 8,500 points in the sequential read test. When compared to PCIe 3.0 SSDs, the Samsung 980 Pro stands out as up to 2x faster in sequential read speeds, and among PCIe 4.0 SSDs, it ranks as one of the top performers in its class. With benefits such as faster loading times, seamless multitasking, and improved productivity, the Samsung 980 Pro emerges as an exceptional choice for users seeking the pinnacle of storage speed.
Samsung 990 Pro
The Samsung 990 Pro PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD stands out with an impressive sequential read speed of up to 7,450 MB/s, nearing the theoretical maximum of PCIe 4.0 technology. Benchmarks like CrystalDiskMark or ATTO Disk Benchmark validate this high-performance level. Real-world speeds may vary due to factors such as system configuration, SSD capacity, data type, and firmware version updates. Larger capacities, like the 4TB model, may exhibit slightly higher read speeds than 1TB and 2TB models. The type of data being transferred also influences performance, with larger files achieving speeds closer to the advertised maximum.
The benefits of such high sequential read speeds are manifold. Faster loading times for games, applications, and large files enhance user experience. Improved productivity is evident in quicker completion of tasks like copying and moving files. Additionally, smoother multitasking is facilitated, enabling seamless handling of multiple demanding tasks simultaneously.
In comparison to the 980 Pro, the 990 Pro offers superior sequential read speeds, making it one of the fastest SSDs on the market. The 980 Pro, while still impressive, may have lower sequential read speeds compared to the newer 990 Pro.
What is the difference between both?
The Samsung 980 Pro and 990 Pro SSDs are primarily differentiated by their speed. The 980 Pro has unique sequential read and write rates, advancing up to 7,450 MB/s and 6,900 MB/s. However, the 990 Pro surpasses these speeds, offering even faster random read and write capabilities compared to the 980 Pro. This speed advantage positions the 990 Pro as a high-performance storage solution, excelling not only in sequential operations but also in random access scenarios. Users seeking superior speed, especially in random data access, may find the 990 Pro to be a more compelling choice over the already fast 980 Pro.
What kind of NAND flash does the Samsung 980 Pro vs 990 Pro use?
The Samsung 990 Pro employs V7 TLC NAND memory, while the Samsung 980 Pro utilizes standard TLC NAND storage. V7 TLC NAND is distinct, offering superior speed and reliability compared to conventional TLC NAND flash. This specialized NAND technology enhances the 990 Pro’s performance, providing a faster and more dependable storage solution. In contrast, the 980 Pro relies on standard TLC NAND, which, while still efficient, doesn’t match the heightened performance and dependability attributed to V7 TLC NAND. This distinction underscores the 990 Pro’s technological edge. Making it a compelling choice for users seeking enhanced speed and reliability in their storage devices.
Conclusion
There are clear benefits and drawbacks of the Samsung 990 Pro and 980 Pro SSDs. With sequential read and write speeds as well as greater random read and write rates, the 990 Pro is more expensive but provides superior performance. A heatsink for high-performance systems is also welcomed. When comparing the Samsung 980 Pro with the 990 Pro. The 980 Pro is more politely priced and delivers excellent performance features. SSDs are similar in that they provide AES 256-bit encryption, S.M.A.R.T. data reporting, and support for TRIM.
When comparing the Samsung 980 Pro vs 990 Pro, the 990 Pro offers a little better power efficiency rating—up to 5.4 W while in use. Conversely, both models exhibit strong performance across a large number of data write cycles, as indicated by their high TBW scores. The particular demands of the user and their financial situation will determine which option is best.
