Why the Samsung 990 PRO is a Game-Changer in Storage Technology

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Samsung 990 Pro drive is set to become the fastest we’ve ever tested, surpassing even the Western Digital (WD) SN850X and the SK hynix Platinum P41. Available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB variants priced at $169 and $289 respectively. You can choose between a bare version or one with an RGB heatsink. The 990 Pro is powered by Samsung’s new Pascal controller and V7 TLC NAND flash, promising unmatched speed and efficiency.

Like its predecessors, the 990 Pro comes with all the premium features Samsung users have come to expect, including enhanced software support through the updated Magician application and encryption options. This versatile drive is compatible with a variety of devices, from desktops and laptops to the PlayStations console. As Samsung’s flagship consumer PCIe 4 SSD, the 990 Pro aims to secure its place among the top SSDs in terms of performance. Our tests confirm that it meets these high expectations, earning it the title of the fastest SSD on our list of the Best SSDs in 2024.

Product Overview

The Samsung 990 PRO is a high-performance SSD developed for demanding tasks such as gaming, video editing, and professional workloads. Here are its key specifications:

Key Specifications

1. Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
2. Form Factor: M.2 2280
3. Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4
4. Controller: Samsung Pascal
5. NAND Memory: Samsung 7th Gen 3D TLC V-NAND
6. DRAM Cache: 2GB LPDDR4
7. Sequential Read & Write Speed: Up to 7,450 MB/s read, 6,900 MB/s write
8. Random Read/Write IOPS: Up to 1,400K/1,550K IOPS
9. Write Endurance: 1,200 TBW
10. Warranty: 5 years

Performance and Features

1. Remarkable Speed: The 990 PRO achieves a maximum read speed of 7,450 MB/s and a maximum write speed of 6,900 MB/s. This exceptional performance is achieved by the advanced Samsung Pascal controller and the innovative 7th Generation 3D TLC V-NAND technology. Compared to its predecessor, the 980 PRO, the 990 PRO significantly enhances both sequential and random read/write speeds.
2. Increased Efficiency: Incorporating hardware automation technology decreases the time it takes to process data and optimizes the pathways for NAND data, leading to a 50% performance per watt compared to the 980 PRO. The enhanced performance of the 990 PRO results in increased speed and improved power efficiency.
3. Better Thermal Management: In order to avoid thermal throttling, the 990 PRO has a controller with a nickel layer and a heat spreader label. The Dynamic Thermal Guard technology guarantees that the SSD functions within the most favorable temperature ranges, even when subjected to demanding workloads.
4. Extensive Software Suite: Samsung’s Magician software offers a comprehensive set of tools for managing drives. Users can check the health of their drives, enhance performance, carry out firmware updates, and personalize LED color settings.
5. Gaming Optimization: The SSD is optimized to work efficiently with Microsoft’s DirectStorage API, resulting in faster game load times. The 990 PRO is optimal for gamers seeking to optimize their gaming setups fully.

Pros & Cons of the Samsung 990 PRO SSD

Pros

1. Exceptional read/write speeds.
2. Advanced thermal management.
3. Efficient power consumption.
4. Comprehensive software suite.
5. Optimized for gaming.

Cons

1. Higher price point.
2. Variability in write performance.
3. Slightly lower SLC cache capacity compared to competitors.

Comparison with Competitors

The Samsung 990 PRO SSD competes against several high-end SSDs, including its predecessor, the Samsung 980 PRO, as well as the SK Hynix Platinum P41 and the Seagate FireCuda 530. Here’s a comprehensive comparison to highlight how the 990 PRO stacks up against these competitors in terms of performance, features, and price.

1. Performance

Samsung 990 PRO

• Sequential Read & Write Speed: Up to 7,450 MB/s read and 6,900 MB/s write​​.
• Random IOPS: Up to 1,400K read and 1,550K write, making it one of the fastest SSDs available​​.
• Gaming Performance: Optimized for DirectStorage API, reducing game load times and improving overall performance​​.

Samsung 980 PRO

• Sequential Read & Write Speed: Up to 7,000 MB/s read and 5,000 MB/s write. Although still fast, it falls short compared to the 990 PRO​​.
• Random IOPS: Up to 1,000K read and 1,000K write, which is lower than the 990 PRO​.

SK Hynix Platinum P41

• Sequential Read & Write Speed: Up to 7,000 MB/s read and 6,500 MB/s write, slightly lower than the 990 PRO​​.
• Random IOPS: Similar to the 990 PRO, with up to 1,200K read and 1,300K write, making it a strong competitor in terms of responsiveness​​.

Seagate FireCuda 530

• Sequential Read & Write Speed: Up to 7,300 MB/s read and 6,900 MB/s write, very close to the 990 PRO’s performance​.
• Random IOPS: Up to 1,200K read and 1,000K write, slightly lower than the 990 PRO but still excellent for most applications.

2. Features

Samsung 990 PRO

• Thermal Management: Advanced Dynamic Thermal Guard technology and a nickel-coated controller for effective heat dissipation​.
• Power Efficiency: Up to 50% improved performance per watt compared to the 980 PRO, thanks to hardware automation technology and optimized NAND data paths​​.
• Samsung Magician Software: Comprehensive suite for drive management, including performance optimization, firmware updates, and health monitoring​​.

Samsung 980 PRO

• Thermal Management: Also includes Dynamic Thermal Guard but lacks some of the advanced features found in the 990 PRO​.
• Power Efficiency: Less efficient than the 990 PRO, reflecting the older technology used in its design​.
• Samsung Magician Software: Offers similar software tools but without the enhancements found in the 990 PRO​​.

SK Hynix Platinum P41

• Thermal Management: Equipped with a nickel-coated controller and similar thermal management features to the 990 PRO.
• Power Efficiency: Not as power-efficient as the 990 PRO, but still competitive within its class​.
• Software: Comes with its own suite of management tools, though generally considered less comprehensive than Samsung Magician​​.

Seagate FireCuda 530

• Thermal Management: Utilizes a robust heatsink design and advanced thermal management features similar to the 990 PRO​​.
• Power Efficiency: Comparable power efficiency, though slightly less optimized than the 990 PRO​.
• Software: Includes Seagate’s toolkit for drive management, offering a range of features but not as extensive as Samsung Magician​.

3. Price

Samsung 990 PRO

• Price: Positioned at a higher price point, reflecting its premium features and top-tier performance. Currently priced around $249.99.

Samsung 980 PRO

• Price: More affordable than the 990 PRO, making it a good choice for those needing high performance at a lower cost. Priced around $199.99 for the 2TB version​​.

SK Hynix Platinum P41

• Price: Generally competitive, often priced slightly lower than the 990 PRO, providing good value for its performance and features. Priced around $219.99​​.

Seagate FireCuda 530

• Price: Similar to the 990 PRO, positioned as a premium SSD with pricing reflecting its high performance and feature set. Priced around $239.99​​.

FAQs

Is the Samsung 990 PRO Reliable?

The Samsung 990 PRO is renowned for its reliability, supported by several key factors. Firstly, it uses high-quality components such as Samsung’s 7th Gen 3D TLC V-NAND and the advanced Pascal controller. The SSD boasts a high write endurance rating of 1,200 TBW (terabytes written), ensuring it can handle extensive data writing before any performance degradation. Additionally, Samsung offers a five-year warranty, providing further assurance of its reliability. Advanced thermal management features, including Dynamic Thermal Guard and a nickel-coated controller, help maintain optimal temperatures and prevent overheating, thus ensuring stable performance even under heavy loads.

How Fast is the Samsung 990 PRO 2TB Transfer Speed?

The Samsung 990 PRO 2TB SSD is one of the fastest on the market, featuring exceptional sequential read speeds of up to 7450 MB/s and write speeds to 6900 MB/s. Real-world performance tests and benchmarks confirm that users can expect rapid boot times and quick file transfers. The SSD’s ability to control large volumes of data efficiently makes it a top choice for professionals​​.

What is the IOPS of Samsung 990 PRO?

The Samsung 990 PRO excels in IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second), achieving up to 1,400K IOPS for random reads and 1,550K IOPS for random writes. This high level of performance is crucial for tasks that involve frequent and rapid data access, such as database management, real-time data processing, and running multiple applications simultaneously. High IOPS translates to better responsiveness and reduced latency, providing smooth function even under heavy workloads.

Is the Samsung SSD 990 PRO Good for Gaming?

The Samsung 990 PRO is an excellent choice for gaming, offering several features that enhance gaming performance. Optimized for Microsoft’s DirectStorage API, the 990 PRO significantly reduces game load times, providing a smoother and more responsive gaming experience. The SSD’s high sequential read/write speeds and impressive IOPS ensure that large game files are handled efficiently, resulting in quick load times and seamless gameplay. Additionally, effective thermal management ensures that the SSD maintains its performance without overheating, even during extended gaming sessions. User feedback consistently praises the 990 PRO for its ability to handle demanding games with ease, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking to maximize their system’s capabilities.