The world of high-performance SSDs is evolving rapidly, and two standout contenders in this arena are the Samsung 980 Pro and the Samsung 990 Pro. Both of these NVMe drives are designed to push the boundaries of speed and efficiency, catering to gamers, content creators, and tech enthusiasts alike. However, with advancements in technology, the question arises: which one truly reigns supreme?
In this comparison, we will delve into the specifications, performance metrics, and unique features of the Samsung 980 Pro and the Samsung 990 Pro to help you make an informed decision.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your gaming rig or enhance your workstation, understanding the differences between these two models is crucial. Join us as we explore the strengths and weaknesses of each drive, ensuring you find the perfect match for your storage needs.
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Storage Capacities
- Samsung 980 Pro: The Samsung 980 Pro is available in several storage capacities, ranging from 250GB to 2TB. This flexibility allows users to choose the right size for their specific needs, whether for gaming, content creation, or general use. The larger capacities provide ample space for high-resolution files and applications.
- Samsung 990 Pro: The Samsung 990 Pro offers a wider range of storage options, starting from 1TB and going up to 4TB. This increased capacity is ideal for heavy users who require significant storage for large files, such as 4K videos or extensive gaming libraries. The 990 Pro’s maximum capacity is particularly beneficial for professionals who need to manage large datasets.
- Winner: Samsung 990 Pro
Read and Write Speeds
- Samsung 980 Pro: The Samsung 980 Pro boasts impressive read speeds of up to 7,000 MB/s and write speeds of up to 5,000 MB/s. These speeds make it one of the fastest NVMe SSDs available, significantly enhancing system responsiveness and load times for applications and games.
- Samsung 990 Pro: The Samsung 990 Pro improves upon its predecessor with read speeds reaching up to 7,450 MB/s and write speeds up to 6,900 MB/s. This enhancement not only accelerates data transfer rates but also optimizes performance during heavy workloads, making it an excellent choice for power users and gamers alike.
- Winner: Samsung 990 Pro
Thermal Management
- Samsung 980 Pro: The Samsung 980 Pro features a thermal control solution that includes a nickel-coated controller and a heat spreader. This design helps to dissipate heat effectively, maintaining performance during sustained workloads. However, under heavy usage, it may still experience thermal throttling.
- Samsung 990 Pro: The Samsung 990 Pro incorporates an advanced thermal control system with an innovative heat sink option that provides superior cooling performance. This allows the drive to sustain high speeds for longer periods without throttling, making it ideal for intensive applications and gaming sessions.
- Winner: Samsung 990 Pro
Form Factor
- Samsung 980 Pro: The Samsung 980 Pro is available in the M.2 2280 form factor, which is compatible with a wide range of devices including laptops and desktops. This compact size allows for easy installation and integration into various systems, making it a versatile choice for many users.
- Samsung 990 Pro: The Samsung 990 Pro also comes in the M.2 2280 form factor, ensuring compatibility with the same devices as the 980 Pro. The design remains sleek and compact, making it suitable for both high-performance laptops and desktop builds.
- Winner: Tie
Endurance Ratings
- Samsung 980 Pro: The endurance rating for the Samsung 980 Pro varies by capacity, with a TBW (Total Bytes Written) rating of up to 1,200 TBW for the 2TB model. This rating indicates a robust lifespan suitable for both consumer and professional use, ensuring reliability over time.
- Samsung 990 Pro: The Samsung 990 Pro offers improved endurance ratings, with a TBW of up to 2,400 TBW for the 4TB model. This enhanced durability makes it a stronger option for users who frequently write large amounts of data, such as video editors and gamers.
- Winner: Samsung 990 Pro
Power Efficiency
- Samsung 980 Pro: The Samsung 980 Pro is designed with power efficiency in mind, featuring a low power consumption mode that helps to extend battery life in laptops. This efficiency is particularly beneficial for mobile users who require performance without excessive energy drain.
- Samsung 990 Pro: The Samsung 990 Pro further advances power efficiency by optimizing its power management algorithms. This results in lower power consumption during idle and active states, making it an excellent choice for energy-conscious consumers and those using laptops.
- Winner: Samsung 990 Pro
Software Support
- Samsung 980 Pro: The Samsung 980 Pro is supported by the Samsung Magician software, which provides users with tools for monitoring drive health, performance optimization, and firmware updates. This software enhances the user experience by offering easy access to important drive features.
- Samsung 990 Pro: The Samsung 990 Pro also benefits from the Samsung Magician software, which has been updated to provide additional features and improved functionality specifically for the 990 Pro. This includes enhanced performance benchmarking and advanced security features, making it a robust option for users who want to manage their SSD efficiently.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Samsung 980 Pro: The Samsung 980 Pro is generally priced lower than the 990 Pro, making it a more budget-friendly option for users who still want high performance. Its pricing reflects its status as an earlier generation SSD, providing value for those who do not require the latest technology.
- Samsung 990 Pro: The Samsung 990 Pro is positioned at a higher price point due to its enhanced performance, features, and increased storage capacities. While it is more expensive, many users find that the additional investment is justified by the superior speed and efficiency it offers.
- Winner: Samsung 980 Pro
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Samsung 980 Pro | Samsung 990 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 x4 | PCIe 4.0 x4 |
| Capacity Options | 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB |
| Sequential Read Speed | Up to 7,000 MB/s | Up to 7,450 MB/s |
| Sequential Write Speed | Up to 5,000 MB/s | Up to 6,900 MB/s |
| Random Read IOPS | 1,000,000 IOPS | 1,400,000 IOPS |
| Random Write IOPS | 1,000,000 IOPS | 1,600,000 IOPS |
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 | M.2 2280 |
| Endurance (TBW) | 150 TBW (250GB), 300 TBW (500GB), 600 TBW (1TB), 1200 TBW (2TB) | 300 TBW (1TB), 600 TBW (2TB), 1,200 TBW (4TB) |
| Warranty | 5 Years | 5 Years |
| DRAM Cache | Yes | Yes |
| Power Consumption | 6.0W (max) | 5.2W (max) |
| Security Features | AES 256-bit Encryption | AES 256-bit Encryption |
| Software Support | Samsung Magician | Samsung Magician |
| Heat Dissipation | Standard | Enhanced with heat spreader |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 70°C | 0°C to 70°C |
What They Have in Common:
- Interface: Both the Samsung 980 Pro and Samsung 990 Pro utilize the PCIe 4.0 x4 interface, ensuring high-speed data transfer rates. This allows both SSDs to perform exceptionally well in demanding applications and gaming scenarios.
- Form Factor: Both drives come in the M.2 2280 form factor, making them compatible with a wide range of modern laptops and desktops. This compact size allows for easy installation without taking up much space.
- Warranty: Both products are backed by a 5-year limited warranty, providing users with peace of mind regarding their reliability and durability. This commitment to quality assurance reflects Samsung’s confidence in their SSD technology.
- Security Features: Both models support AES 256-bit encryption, ensuring that user data is protected against unauthorized access. This feature is essential for users who prioritize data security in their computing environments.
- Software Support: Both SSDs are compatible with Samsung Magician software, which provides users with tools for managing their SSDs, including performance monitoring and firmware updates. This software enhances the overall user experience by optimizing the drive’s performance.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Samsung 980 Pro If…
- You need a more affordable option with solid performance for gaming and general use.
- You require a smaller capacity option like 250GB or 500GB for lightweight applications.
- You prefer a well-established product with a proven track record in the market.
Buy Samsung 990 Pro If…
- You want the latest technology and improved performance metrics for demanding applications.
- You need higher capacity options, especially if you’re looking for 4TB storage.
- You are focused on maximizing speed and efficiency in data-intensive tasks like video editing or gaming.
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Sequential Read Speed | Samsung 990 Pro |
| Sequential Write Speed | Samsung 990 Pro |
| Random Read IOPS | Samsung 990 Pro |
| Random Write IOPS | Samsung 990 Pro |
| Power Consumption | Samsung 990 Pro |
| Endurance (TBW) | Samsung 990 Pro |
| Price | Samsung 980 Pro |
| Software Support | Samsung 980 Pro |
| Heat Dissipation | Samsung 990 Pro |
Samsung 980 Pro Vs 990 Pro Buying Guide
Performance
When considering the Samsung 980 Pro and 990 Pro, performance is a crucial factor. The 990 Pro offers improved read and write speeds compared to its predecessor, making it ideal for high-demand applications like gaming and video editing. If you require maximum performance for tasks like 4K video rendering, the 990 Pro is likely the better choice.
Storage Capacity
Both the Samsung 980 Pro and 990 Pro come in various storage capacities, typically ranging from 250GB to 2TB. Think about your storage needs: if you often work with large files or run multiple applications simultaneously, opting for a higher capacity model may be wise. The 990 Pro tends to offer better efficiency at higher capacities, allowing for faster data access and transfer.
Thermal Management
Thermal performance is essential for maintaining optimal speeds and longevity. The 990 Pro features enhanced thermal management, which helps prevent overheating during intense workloads. If you plan to use the SSD in a high-performance setting, consider the 990 Pro for its superior heat dissipation capabilities. (See Also: valspar vs sherwin williams)
Endurance and Reliability
Endurance ratings, measured in terabytes written (TBW), indicate how much data can be written to the SSD over its lifespan. The 990 Pro generally boasts a higher TBW rating than the 980 Pro, making it a more reliable choice for heavy users. For those who frequently write large amounts of data, the 990 Pro is likely to be the more dependable option.
Compatibility
Before making a purchase, ensure that your system is compatible with either SSD. Both the Samsung 980 Pro and 990 Pro utilize the NVMe interface, which is supported by most modern motherboards. However, double-check your motherboard specifications to avoid any compatibility issues, especially if you’re using older hardware.
Power Efficiency
Power consumption can affect battery life in laptops and overall energy costs. The Samsung 990 Pro is designed with improved power efficiency, making it a better choice for portable devices. If energy consumption is a concern for your setup, the 990 Pro offers a more sustainable option.
Warranty and Support
Warranty length and customer support are important considerations when investing in an SSD. Samsung typically offers a limited warranty for both models, but the 990 Pro may come with a longer warranty period. Check the warranty terms and ensure that you have access to reliable customer support for peace of mind.
Price and Value
Pricing can vary significantly between the Samsung 980 Pro and 990 Pro. While the 980 Pro may be more affordable, the 990 Pro provides enhanced features that may justify the extra cost for certain users. Consider your budget and weigh the value of performance improvements against the price differences. (See Also: instant pot vs air fryer)
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the main differences between the Samsung 980 Pro and 990 Pro?
The Samsung 980 Pro and 990 Pro differ mainly in performance, thermal management, and endurance. The 990 Pro generally offers faster read and write speeds, improved thermal control, and higher endurance ratings. These enhancements make the 990 Pro more suitable for demanding applications, while the 980 Pro remains a solid choice for standard usage.
Which SSD is better for gaming?
For gaming, the Samsung 990 Pro typically provides superior performance due to its faster read and write speeds. This can lead to quicker load times and a smoother gaming experience. If you’re a serious gamer who values performance, investing in the 990 Pro is advisable, although the 980 Pro is still a competent option for less demanding games.
Can I use the Samsung 980 Pro or 990 Pro in my laptop?
Both the Samsung 980 Pro and 990 Pro are compatible with most modern laptops that support NVMe SSDs. However, it’s important to check your laptop’s specifications to ensure compatibility. Older laptops may lack the necessary support, so verifying this before purchase is essential.
How do I install the Samsung 980 Pro or 990 Pro?
Installing the Samsung 980 Pro or 990 Pro typically involves opening your device, locating the M.2 slot, and carefully inserting the SSD. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific device. After installation, you may need to format the SSD before using it, which can usually be done through your operating system.
Is the Samsung 990 Pro worth the extra cost?
Whether the Samsung 990 Pro is worth the extra cost depends on your usage needs. If you demand high performance for tasks like video editing, gaming, or running virtual machines, the enhancements of the 990 Pro may be justified. For general use or casual gaming, the 980 Pro is often sufficient and more budget-friendly. (See Also: bleu de chanel parfum vs edp)
What is the lifespan of the Samsung 980 Pro and 990 Pro?
The lifespan of both the Samsung 980 Pro and 990 Pro is determined by their endurance ratings, measured in TBW. The 990 Pro has a higher TBW, indicating it can handle more data writes over its lifetime. For average users, both SSDs should last several years, but heavy users may find the 990 Pro to be a better long-term investment.
Do I need a heatsink for the Samsung 980 Pro or 990 Pro?
While neither the Samsung 980 Pro nor 990 Pro strictly requires a heatsink, using one can help improve thermal performance, especially under heavy loads. If you plan to use the SSD in a high-performance build or gaming setup, adding a heatsink may help maintain optimal temperatures and performance.
Final Verdict:
In conclusion, both the Samsung 980 Pro and 990 Pro are excellent SSDs, but the Samsung 990 Pro stands out with its superior performance, endurance, and thermal management. If your needs align with high-demand applications, investing in the 990 Pro is a wise choice. Otherwise, the 980 Pro remains a reliable and affordable option for general use.
