The Samsung 990 Pro is one of the latest solid-state drives (SSD) released by Samsung, building on the impressive performance of its predecessor, the Samsung 980 Pro. If you’re in the market for a top-tier SSD with incredible speed, durability, and efficiency, this review will provide a comprehensive look into why Samsung ssd 990 pro stands out. Whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or professional seeking superior storage solutions, this SSD has a lot to offer.
- Key Features of the Samsung 990 Pro
- Performance Overview
- Samsung 990 Pro vs 980 Pro: Which One is Better?
- Design and Build
- Capacity Options: 1TB, 2TB, and Beyond
- Power Efficiency and Thermal Management
- Samsung 990 Pro for Gamers
- Comparing Samsung 990 Pro with Other NVMe SSDs
- Who Should Buy the Samsung 990 Pro?
Samsung has been a leader in the SSD market for years, producing some of the most reliable and high-performing drives available. Whether you’re familiar with their 970 Evo, 980 Pro, or even the popular 860 series, you know that Samsung delivers quality and innovation with each new release. The Samsung SSD 990 Pro continues this trend, targeting users who need extreme speed, reliability, and endurance for demanding tasks.
From gaming to professional workloads like 3D rendering or video editing, the 990 Pro promises to deliver a performance leap compared to older SSDs like the Samsung 980 Pro.
Key Features of the Samsung 990 Pro
Before diving into the in-depth review, let’s first take a look at the standout features of the Samsung 990 Pro:
- PCIe 4.0 NVMe Interface: This enables faster data transfer speeds than previous generations.
- Incredible Read/Write Speeds: Sequential read speeds of up to 7,450 MB/s and write speeds up to 6,900 MB/s.
- Advanced Thermal Control: A built-in heat spreader and nickel-coated controller help to manage heat efficiently.
- Enhanced Power Efficiency: Uses less power while delivering top-tier performance.
- Samsung Magician Software: Allows users to monitor the SSD’s health, performance, and firmware updates.
These features make it clear that Samsung is focusing on speed, durability, and efficiency with this new model.
Performance Overview
When it comes to SSDs, performance is always a top priority. The Samsung 990 Pro excels in this area, particularly for users upgrading from older SSD models or traditional hard drives.
Here’s a speed comparison for SATA SSD, PCIe Gen3 SSD, and PCIe Gen5 SSD:
| Type of SSD | Interface | Maximum Sequential Read Speed | Maximum Sequential Write Speed | Bandwidth (Approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SATA SSD | SATA III (6Gbps) | Up to 560 MB/s | Up to 530 MB/s | ~600 MB/s |
| PCIe Gen3 SSD | PCIe 3.0 x4 (32Gbps) | Up to 3,500 MB/s | Up to 3,300 MB/s | ~4 GB/s |
| PCIe Gen5 SSD | PCIe 5.0 x4 (128Gbps) | Up to 14,000 MB/s | Up to 12,000 MB/s | ~16 GB/s |
- SATA SSDs are great for general use but are limited by the 600 MB/s bandwidth of SATA III.
- PCIe Gen3 SSDs provide a significant performance boost, ideal for faster data transfers and gaming.
- PCIe Gen5 SSDs deliver next-gen performance, especially for professionals dealing with large files, 3D rendering, and demanding workloads.
Read and Write Speeds: One of the standout benefits of the 990 Pro is its incredible read and write speeds. With sequential read speeds up to 7,450 MB/s and write speeds up to 6,900 MB/s, the 990 Pro is significantly faster than the 980 Pro, which maxes out at around 7,000 MB/s for reads and 5,100 MB/s for writes. This difference is especially noticeable for those working with large files or running applications that require rapid data access.
Random Read/Write Performance: Random reads and writes are also important for everyday computing tasks. The 990 Pro achieves 1.55 million IOPS (input/output operations per second) for random reads and 1.2 million IOPS for random writes, making it ideal for gaming, multitasking, and data-intensive workloads.
For users comparing Samsung 990 Pro vs 980 Pro, these performance improvements may justify upgrading, particularly if you regularly work with large files or run applications like 3D modeling software, virtual machines, or video editing tools.
Samsung 990 Pro vs 980 Pro: Which One is Better?
The natural comparison for the Samsung 990 Pro is against its predecessor, the Samsung 980 Pro. So, how do these two SSDs stack up?
| Feature | Samsung 990 Pro | Samsung 980 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 NVMe | PCIe 4.0 NVMe |
| Sequential Read Speed | Up to 7,450 MB/s | Up to 7,000 MB/s |
| Sequential Write Speed | Up to 6,900 MB/s | Up to 5,100 MB/s |
| Random Read (IOPS) | Up to 1.55 million IOPS | Up to 1 million IOPS |
| Random Write (IOPS) | Up to 1.2 million IOPS | Up to 900K IOPS |
| Endurance | 1,200 TBW (for 2TB model) | 600 TBW (for 2TB model) |
As you can see, the 990 Pro offers better performance across the board. However, the 980 Pro is still a fantastic option if you’re looking for a solid PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, especially if you’re on a budget.
Design and Build
The Samsung 990 Pro has a sleek and robust design, fitting seamlessly into most modern PCs and laptops. One of the improvements over the 980 Pro is the addition of a nickel-coated controller and heat spreader, both of which help manage temperatures during heavy workloads.
The M.2 2280 form factor is the same as its predecessor, making it compatible with most motherboards that support PCIe 4.0. If you’re upgrading from the Samsung 980 Pro or another M.2 SSD, installation should be straightforward.
Capacity Options: 1TB, 2TB, and Beyond
The Samsung 990 Pro 1TB is one of the most popular configurations for those who need a balance between storage and price. However, it’s also available in a 2TB variant, which offers more room for users who store large files like 4K videos, games, or 3D models.
Samsung might release a Samsung 990 Evo NVMe variant, but for now, the 990 Pro is the flagship offering in this series. If you’re considering between the 990 Pro and the 990 Evo NVMe, keep in mind that Evo models typically offer slightly lower performance but are more budget-friendly.
Power Efficiency and Thermal Management
A common issue with high-speed SSDs is power consumption and heat generation, but Samsung has addressed this with the 990 Pro. It boasts 50% improved power efficiency over the 980 Pro, which means less energy is used to achieve better performance.
Additionally, the Dynamic Thermal Guard and nickel-coated controller help manage heat better, ensuring the SSD doesn’t throttle or overheat during extended sessions of gaming or content creation. This makes it ideal for those who push their systems to the limits.
Samsung 990 Pro for Gamers
Gamers are one of the target audiences for the Samsung 990 Pro. The speed improvements make load times almost non-existent, allowing for a seamless gaming experience. Games installed on the 990 Pro launch faster, load levels more quickly, and run smoother during intense in-game sequences.
For those who game in 4K or use ray tracing, this SSD can be particularly beneficial, as it can handle the large amounts of data required to render these visuals in real-time.
Comparing Samsung 990 Pro with Other NVMe SSDs
If you’re looking at other NVMe SSDs on the market, the Samsung 990 Pro competes with models like the Western Digital Black SN850 and the Seagate FireCuda 530. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Samsung 990 Pro | WD Black SN850 | Seagate FireCuda 530 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sequential Read Speed | Up to 7,450 MB/s | Up to 7,000 MB/s | Up to 7,300 MB/s |
| Sequential Write Speed | Up to 6,900 MB/s | Up to 5,300 MB/s | Up to 6,900 MB/s |
| Random Read IOPS | Up to 1.55 million IOPS | Up to 1 million IOPS | Up to 1 million IOPS |
| Endurance (2TB model) | 1,200 TBW | 600 TBW | 1,200 TBW |
The Samsung 990 Pro stands out for its high random read/write IOPS and slightly better overall performance, especially in write speeds. It also offers superior power efficiency, making it one of the best choices in the NVMe SSD market.
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Who Should Buy the Samsung 990 Pro?
The Samsung 990 Pro is ideal for:
- Gamers: Those looking to reduce game load times and increase performance in high-end gaming titles.
- Content Creators: If you work with large video files, 3D models, or other intensive applications, the fast read and write speeds will be a game-changer.
- Professionals: For anyone using resource-intensive software like virtual machines, database management, or simulations, the 990 Pro provides the speed and reliability needed.
If you’re still using a SATA SSD or an older NVMe drive, upgrading to the Samsung 990 Pro will provide a noticeable boost in performance. However, if you’re currently using a Samsung 980 Pro, you may want to upgrade only if you’re handling very demanding tasks that require faster write speeds and improved power efficiency.
The Samsung 990 Pro is an exceptional SSD that pushes the boundaries of speed, endurance, and efficiency. Whether you’re a gamer looking to enhance your system’s performance or a professional in need of faster data handling, the 990 Pro delivers on all fronts.
When comparing Samsung 990 Pro vs 980 Pro, the improvements are evident in write speeds, power efficiency, and endurance. And while the Samsung 990 Evo NVMe has yet to be released, the 990 Pro remains a top contender for the best NVMe SSD on the market right now.
