In the ever-evolving world of consumer electronics, storage solutions play a crucial role in enhancing our digital experiences.
Today, we’re diving deep into the Samsung 2TB 990 Pro PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD to determine whether it’s a worthwhile addition to your tech arsenal.
This high-performance SSD promises lightning-fast speeds and ample storage capacity, but does it live up to the hype? Let’s find out!
1. Product Overview of Samsung 2TB 990 Pro PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
The Samsung 2TB 990 Pro PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD is a cutting-edge storage device designed to meet the demands of modern computing. Here’s a quick look at its key specifications:
(a) Storage Capacity: With a capacious 2TB of storage, this SSD can handle your extensive multimedia libraries, games, and professional workloads. Here are some of the things you can store on a 2TB SSD:
** Operating System and Software **: You can install your operating system (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux) on the SSD for faster boot times and system responsiveness. Additionally, you can store software applications, including productivity suites, graphic design tools, and video editing software.
** Media Files **: With 2TB of storage, you can store a vast collection of media files, including high-definition movies, music libraries, and audiobooks. This is ideal for users who want quick access to their entertainment content.
** Games **: Modern video games often require significant storage space. A 2TB SSD allows you to install multiple games without worrying about running out of storage. Games load faster and run more smoothly when installed on an SSD.
** Photos and Videos **: If you’re a photographer or videographer, a 2TB SSD is excellent for storing your high-resolution photos and 4K videos. It provides a reliable and fast storage solution for your creative work.
** Documents and Files **: You can store a vast number of documents, spreadsheets, PDFs, and other files on the SSD, making it a convenient choice for work-related data.
** Backups **: A 2TB SSD can be used as a backup drive to create regular backups of your important files and system data, ensuring data security.
** Virtual Machines **: If you run virtual machines (VMs) for software development or testing, a large SSD can host multiple VMs, allowing for seamless virtualization tasks.
** Archives and Databases **: Users dealing with large data archives or databases can benefit from the speed and reliability of an SSD for quick access to information.
** Graphics and Design Projects **: Graphic designers and artists can store their design projects, including Photoshop files, Illustrator files, and other graphics-intensive work, on the SSD for fast loading and editing.
** Personal and Work Projects **: Whether it’s personal projects, work-related files, or research materials, a 2TB SSD provides a spacious and speedy storage solution for all your digital needs
(b) Speed Demon: Sporting PCIe 4.0 technology, it delivers blazing-fast read and write speeds, significantly reducing loading times and enhancing overall system responsiveness.
You can use CrystalDiskMark for Windows, and Blackmagic Speed Test for Mac to check your SSD Tread/write speeds.
PCIe 4.0 (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express 4.0) is the fourth generation of the PCIe interface standard, and it offers significantly faster data transfer speeds compared to its predecessor, PCIe 3.0.
Think of PCIe 4.0 as a high-speed highway for data within your computer. In this analogy, the highway represents the data transfer pathway between different hardware components, such as the CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and storage devices like SSDs.
Consider a practical scenario: You’re loading a large video game or a complex software application on your computer.
With PCIe 3.0, it’s like having a two-lane highway for data. Loading the game or application might take some time, similar to how traffic can get congested on a two-lane road during rush hour.
Now, with PCIe 4.0, you have a four-lane highway. Loading the same game or application is significantly faster. It’s as if you’re driving on a wide, open expressway with very little traffic – you reach your destination (in this case, launching the game or application) much more quickly.
So, in real-life terms, PCIe 4.0’s speed translates into faster boot times, quicker application launches, and reduced loading times in video games.
It’s like upgrading from a slower, congested road to a spacious, high-speed expressway for your data, resulting in a smoother and more responsive computing experience.
This speed boost is particularly noticeable when working with large files, editing high-resolution media, or running demanding software applications.
This Samsung internal SSD also uses a new protocol specifically designed for SSDs called NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express).
NVMe is a significant advancement over older storage protocols like SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) when it comes to speed and efficiency. It is tailored for the unique characteristics of NAND flash memory used in SSDs.
Samsung NVMe SSDs can achieve astonishingly high sequential read and write speeds. For example, some top-tier NVMe SSDs can reach sequential read speeds of up to 7,000 MB/s or even more. This is like transferring a large 10GB movie file from your SSD to your computer’s RAM in just a second or two.
Generally, a read/write speed over 500 MB/s is considered good for an SSD drive. If you are dealing with large files, a landmark speed of at least 2500 MB/s should be sufficient.
Compared with other types of SSDs, NVMe SSDs excel in random read and write operations, which are crucial for everyday computing tasks. They can handle thousands of input/output operations per second (IOPS), resulting in lightning-fast response times when opening applications, accessing files, or multitasking.
NVMe SSDs have extremely low latency, meaning that when your computer requests data, there’s virtually no delay in retrieving it. This low latency translates into near-instant access to your files and applications.
The combination of high-speed sequential and random read and write speeds, coupled with low latency, significantly enhances overall system performance. Your computer boots faster, applications launch almost instantly, and file transfers are a breeze.
(c) Form Factor: The M.2 form factor is a small, versatile, and increasingly popular design for various computer components, primarily storage and wireless connectivity.
It resembles a small circuit board with various lengths and widths. Common lengths include 80mm and 42mm.
M.2 slots on motherboards support both SATA and PCIe interfaces, making it suitable for a wide range of devices.
It is notably smaller than traditional 2.5-inch SATA drives and PCIe expansion cards, allowing for thinner and more compact device designs.
You can directly connect an M.2 SSD to the motherboard, reducing cable clutter in your computer case.
Some M.2 slots support hot swapping, enabling users to change or upgrade components without shutting down their systems.
This Samsung 2TB 990 Pro is an M.2 SSD that can be slotted onto the motherboard of a laptop or desktop PC with a PCIe interface.
You may opt for the version that comes with a heatsink to dissipate any temperature that builds up when there is a high processing algorithm going on.
(d) Reliable Build: Samsung’s reputation for quality is evident in this SSD’s durable build, ensuring data integrity and longevity.
The company is a well-established and trusted brand known for its quality and innovation across various electronics sectors, including smartphones, TVs, and appliances.
This trust extends to their SSDs. When readers see the Samsung name on an SSD, it instills confidence that the product is reliable and well-built.
Samsung’s commitment to quality control and rigorous testing processes ensures that its SSDs meet high standards of performance and durability.
Readers can have peace of mind knowing that a Samsung SSD is designed to last and perform optimally.
It has a long history of manufacturing SSDs, and its experience in the industry has led to the development of cutting-edge technologies and advancements in SSD performance. Readers benefit from this track record of excellence.
Samsung SSDs are known for their exceptional performance, offering fast read and write speeds, low latency, and efficient data handling. This translates into improved overall system performance, faster boot times, and quicker application launches, benefiting users in their daily computing tasks.
Reliability is a critical factor when choosing an SSD. Samsung’s reputation for reliability means that readers can trust that their data will be safe and their SSD will operate without issues.
This is especially important for those who rely on their storage for important documents, creative projects, or gaming.
Samsung’s commitment to customer support and warranty services can be reassuring for readers.
In case of any issues or questions, they can rely on Samsung’s responsive customer support to assist them, ensuring a positive ownership experience.
Its SSDs are designed to work seamlessly with a wide range of devices, from laptops and desktops to gaming consoles.
Readers can trust that a Samsung SSD will be compatible with their systems, making the upgrade process smoother.
Samsung provides useful software tools like Samsung Magician, which allows users to optimize and manage their SSDs, monitor performance, and update the firmware.
These tools enhance the user experience and help readers make the most of their Samsung SSDs.
The company is at the forefront of SSD innovation, regularly introducing new technologies and advancements.
Readers who choose Samsung SSDs can benefit from the latest features and improvements, staying ahead in terms of storage technology.
2. Performance of Samsung 2TB 990 Pro PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
The Samsung 2TB 990 Pro PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD is a high-performance storage solution optimized for gaming and creative applications. It features Samsung’s 7th-generation V-NAND technology and a new Pascal controller.
Key highlights include impressive sequential read and write speeds of up to 7,450 MB/s and 6,900 MB/s, respectively, with substantial improvements in random performance compared to the previous 980 PRO.
Samsung 990 Pro uses an 8nm Pascal controller which optimizes the data path from NAND through hardware automation technology and reduces processing time through the cache algorithm.
Based on Samsung’s claims, the newer 990 Pro model is 40% and 55% faster in random reads and writes, respectively, versus the 980 Pro, plus an extra 450 MB/s in sequential reads and 1,900 MB/s in sequential writes.
(a) Benefits for Gamers:
Game developers are designing games optimized for SSDs, leading to faster load times, improved graphics, and an enhanced gaming experience.
The 990 PRO is optimized for Microsoft DirectStorage API, resulting in significantly reduced map loading times in supported games like Forspoken.
(b) Key Features:
– Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0 technology offers a larger buffer, enhancing performance under heavy workloads.
– Low-power architecture improves power efficiency by up to 50% compared to the 980 PRO.
– Nickel-coated controller and Dynamic Thermal Guard technology ensure optimal thermal management.
(c) Variants:
The 990 PRO with Heatsink features an aggressive design and customizable RGB lighting, suitable for gaming setups. It meets PCI-SIG D8 standards for compatibility with desktops, consoles, and laptops.
(d) Performance Testing:
Benchmark tests showed competitive performance, with the 990 PRO surpassing its predecessor, the 980 PRO, in various scenarios.
In the PCMark 10 Full System drive benchmark, the 990 PRO outperformed its competitors, scoring 3602 points and achieving an average access time of 46 microseconds.
(e) Versus other brands with similar spec PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 Internal SSD:
** WD Black SN850X **:
The comparison between the WD Black SN850X and Samsung 990 Pro reveals distinct differences and similarities.
In terms of theoretical sequential read and write speeds, the Samsung 990 Pro holds a slight advantage, offering 7,450 MB/s read and 6,900 MB/s write speeds compared to the WD Black SN850X’s 7,300 MB/s read and 6,300 MB/s write speeds.
Additionally, the 990 Pro exhibits superior random read and write speeds, with 1,400K IOPS and 1,550K IOPS, respectively, surpassing the SN850X’s 1,200K IOPS and 1,100K IOPS.
One notable drawback of the WD Black SN850X is its lack of encryption, which could be a crucial factor for users requiring data security.
Benchmarks conducted on both SSDs using test-bench specifications, including an Intel Core i5 12600K CPU and DDR5 4800 MHz RAM, reveal that the Samsung 990 Pro generally outperforms the SN850X, albeit by marginal differences.
Both SSDs offer dedicated game modes, resulting in similar gaming performance, making them suitable choices for gamers.
The PCMark 10 Full System Drive Benchmark test shows that the Samsung 990 Pro excels in various aspects, including gaming, productivity, sequential read/write, and random read/write performance, indicating its superior real-world performance compared to the SN850X.
There are no significant differences in endurance (TBW) between the two SSDs. However, the SN850X boasts a higher MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures), suggesting potential longevity benefits.
As of the article’s writing, the Samsung 990 Pro is approximately $30 more expensive than the SN850X. For users seeking a balance between performance and cost-effectiveness, the SN850X provides a compelling option. Conversely, those prioritizing top-tier performance, encryption, and enhanced features may opt for the Samsung 990 Pro.
In conclusion, the Samsung 990 Pro emerges as the winner in this comparison, offering exceptional performance and additional features. However, the WD Black SN850X remains a strong contender, especially for users mindful of their budget, as it provides competitive performance at a lower cost. Ultimately, the choice between the two SSDs depends on individual priorities and requirements.
** SK hynix Platinum P41 **:
Here are the comparisons between SK Hynix Platinum P41 2TB and Samsung 990 Pro:
(i) SK Hynix Platinum P41 2TB:
– Equipped with SK Hynix’s new Gen 4 controller, Aries.
– Features a quad-core design with eight memory controllers and 2GB of DDR4 cache memory.
– Utilizes SK Hynix’s advanced 176-layer 3D TLC NAND for improved performance.
– Offers sequential read and write speeds of 7,000MB/s and 6,500MB/s, respectively.
– Boasts impressive random access performance with 1.4 million read IOPS and 1.3 million write IOPS.
– Rated for write endurance of 1,200 TBW.
– Comes with a 5-year warranty.
(ii) Samsung 990 Pro 2TB:
– Features the new Pascal chip as its controller.
– Offers competitive sequential read and write speeds, slightly faster than the SK Hynix P41.
– Provides strong random access performance, especially in writing IOPS.
– Also rated for write endurance of 1,200 TBW.
(iii) Comparison Highlights:
– SK Hynix’s P41 showcases impressive specifications, with notable random access performance, making it a top-tier SSD.
– The sequential read and write speeds are on par with the Samsung 990 Pro, with minor differences.
– Both SSDs offer competitive performance and are suitable for high-end use cases.
– The P41’s operating temperatures are slightly higher, reaching 71°C at peak, which may raise long-term reliability concerns.
– In PCMark 10’s overall storage benchmark, the P41 performs excellently, second only to the Samsung 990 Pro.
– Both SSDs provide low latency and are in line with other top-performing SSDs.
– The SK Hynix Platinum P41 2TB is considered an excellent choice for users seeking a top-tier PCIe 4.0 SSD.
In conclusion, the SK Hynix Platinum P41 2TB demonstrates impressive performance and specifications, competing effectively with other high-end SSDs, including the Samsung 990 Pro.
While both SSDs offer similar sequential speeds, the P41’s standout feature is its exceptional random access performance. Users looking for top-tier PCIe 4.0 drives have a range of options, and the SK Hynix Platinum P41 2TB is a compelling choice to consider.
** Crucial P5 Plus **:
The Crucial P5 Plus and Samsung 990 Pro are both contenders in the PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD market, each with its strengths and characteristics.
Crucial’s P5 Plus is a value-focused Gen4 SSD offering capacities of 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB at competitive prices. It’s optimized for specific workloads and reliability rather than pushing the boundaries of speed.
Rated for sequential speeds of up to 6.6 GBps read and 5.0 GBps write, it delivers solid performance. It also boasts impressive random read/write IOPS of 720,000/700,000, thanks to dynamic write acceleration.
In terms of endurance, the P5 Plus comes with a five-year warranty and is rated to withstand up to 1,200 TB of write at its highest capacity.
It supports features like TRIM, S.M.A.R.T. data reporting, secure erase, and hardware-accelerated AES 256-bit full-disk encryption. The inclusion of hardware encryption based on the TCG OPAL 2.0 specification ensures data security.
Crucial offers additional support with its SSD toolbox and cloning software, making it user-friendly. The design of the P5 Plus is similar to its predecessor, featuring a black PCB and clean aesthetics.
The controller, designed in-house, is an 8-channel design that utilizes LPDDR4 DRAM to enhance FTL management.
The NAND flash, Micron’s B47R 176L TLC, is a standout feature, offering fast interface speeds of up to 1,600 Mbps. This flash technology combines charge traps and CMOS-under-array technology, resulting in improved performance, reliability, and endurance.
On the other hand, the Samsung 990 Pro is a high-performance Gen4 SSD with impressive sequential read/write speeds. It offers a slightly faster read speed than the P5 Plus. It also comes with a five-year warranty and strong endurance, making it suitable for demanding tasks.
In conclusion, the Crucial P5 Plus is a solid value-oriented Gen4 SSD, offering good performance and reliability at competitive prices. It’s optimized for specific workloads and comes with hardware-based encryption.
On the other hand, the Samsung 990 Pro is a high-performance contender with faster sequential read speeds. The choice between them depends on your specific requirements, with the P5 Plus offering excellent value for its price, and the 990 Pro excelling in raw speed.
** HP FX900 Pro **:
Both SSDs offer impressive sequential read and write speeds. The Samsung 990 Pro boasts a sequential read speed of up to 7,450 MB/s and a sequential write speed of up to 6,900 MB/s. On the other hand, the HP FX900 Pro 1TB offers competitive sequential speeds, although slightly lower than the 990 Pro.
The Samsung 990 Pro comes with strong endurance, rated for up to 1,200 TBW (terabytes written) for the 2TB model. The HP FX900 Pro 1TB, while not disclosing specific endurance ratings, is designed for durability and reliability, making it suitable for demanding tasks.
Both SSDs are backed by reputable manufacturers known for producing reliable storage solutions. Samsung, a leader in the SSD market, has a track record of delivering dependable products. HP, a well-known brand in the tech industry, also prioritizes reliability in its storage offerings.
The warranty is an important aspect to consider when investing in high-end SSDs. The Samsung 990 Pro comes with a 5-year limited warranty, providing peace of mind to users. HP, too, offers a warranty for its FX900 Pro series, but the specific warranty duration may vary by region, so it’s advisable to check the warranty details for the model available in your area.
Samsung’s 990 Pro includes features like AES 256-bit hardware-based encryption, ensuring data security. The HP FX900 Pro 1TB also focuses on data security and offers hardware-based encryption options, making them suitable for users who prioritize the protection of their data.
In summary, both the HP FX900 Pro 1TB and the Samsung 990 Pro are formidable M.2 SSDs, each with its strengths. The 990 Pro shines in terms of raw performance and a well-established reputation. Meanwhile, the HP FX900 Pro 1TB offers competitive performance, strong endurance, and an attractive price point.
The choice between them should depend on your specific needs, budget, and priorities, whether it’s raw speed or a balance of performance and affordability.
** Kingston KC3000 **:
Here’s a summary of the comparison between the Kingston KC3000 SSD and the Samsung 990 Pro PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD:
**Common Features:**
– Both SSDs use TLC NAND Flash.
– Both have a DRAM cache.
– Both come with a 5-year limited warranty.
– Both support S.M.A.R.T. and TRIM.
– Both offer a 5-year limited warranty.
**Kingston KC3000 SSD:**
– Available in capacities of 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB, providing more options compared to the Samsung 990 Pro.
– Sequential read/write speeds of up to 7,000 MB/s.
– Random read/write performance is slightly lower compared to the Samsung 990 Pro.
– Equipped with a Phison E18 controller based on a 12nm process.
– Offers good value for money, with the 1TB variant being around 30% cheaper than the Samsung 990 Pro.
– Lacks encryption, which may be a concern for data protection.
**Samsung 990 Pro PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD:**
– Available in 1TB and 2TB capacities.
– Sequential read speed of up to 7,450 MB/s and sequential write speed of up to 6,900 MB/s.
– Better random read/write performance compared to the Kingston KC3000.
– Features Samsung’s Pascal controller based on an 8nm architecture with optimized power management.
– Offers great real-world performance, especially in random read/write operations.
– Supports encryption for enhanced data security.
**Summary:**
Both the Kingston KC3000 and the Samsung 990 Pro are solid NVMe SSD options, but they cater to different needs. The Kingston KC3000 provides a wider range of capacity options and offers good value for money. However, it lags slightly in random read/write performance and lacks encryption.
On the other hand, the Samsung 990 Pro excels in real-world performance, especially in random operations, and supports encryption for data protection. While it offers fewer capacity choices, it’s a top choice for those seeking high-performance SSDs.
** Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus **:
Here’s a summary of the comparison between the Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus M.2 SSD and the Samsung 990 Pro 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD:
**Common Features:**
– Both SSDs are designed for high-speed storage.
– Both support PCIe 4.0 for enhanced data transfer rates.
– Both offer solid performance and reliability.
– Both come with a 5-year warranty.
– Both are suitable for gaming and high-performance computing tasks.
**Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus M.2 SSD:**
– Compatible with PCIe 3.0 and PCIe 4.0 motherboards, making it versatile for older and newer systems.
– Utilizes PCIe 5.0 technology with 16 lanes, providing ample bandwidth for high-speed NVMe storage.
– Offers consistent and impressive real-world performance with minimal throttling.
– Provides high-speed data transfer rates for game loading and file copying.
– Features the Phison PS5018-E18 controller, known for its capabilities like LDPC ECC and advanced wear-leveling.
– Comes with 8GB of SK Hynix DRAM and Micron’s B27B 96L TLC NAND for reliable performance and endurance.
– Offers 1.4 Petabytes of Endurance TBW.
– Includes a 5-year warranty, extendable to 5 years upon registration.
**Samsung 990 Pro 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD:**
– Offers high sequential read and write speeds, with a focus on top-tier real-world performance.
– Provides impressive random read/write performance.
– Supports encryption for enhanced data security.
– Uses Samsung’s Pascal controller based on an 8nm architecture.
– Available in 1TB and 2TB capacities.
– Features a 5-year warranty for peace of mind.
**Summary:**
Both the Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus and the Samsung 990 Pro deliver exceptional performance and are suitable for demanding tasks such as gaming and content creation. However, there are some differences to consider:
– Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus offers versatility with compatibility across PCIe generations, making it suitable for both older and newer systems.
– Samsung 990 Pro focuses on top-tier real-world performance and offers encryption for data security.
– Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus provides a compelling cost-to-performance ratio, offering excellent performance at a competitive price.
– Both SSDs come with a 5-year warranty, but Sabrent extends it to 5 years upon registration.
The choice between them depends on your specific requirements, including compatibility with your motherboard, the need for encryption, and your budget. Both SSDs are excellent options for high-speed storage, and you can’t go wrong with either choice.
** Corsair’s MP600 Pro NH **:
The Corsair MP600 Pro NH is a powerful PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD available in various capacities, including 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, and 8TB. It competes effectively in terms of pricing and performance, especially the 1TB and 2TB models, making it an attractive option for users looking for high-performance SSDs without breaking the bank.
Benchmark tests show that the MP600 Pro NH performs admirably, particularly in random workloads. Its sequential and random read/write speeds are competitive with top-tier SSDs, including the Samsung 990 Pro.
The drive offers robust endurance, making it suitable for intensive workloads and tasks. It maintains its performance even when filled to 90% capacity.
The MP600 Pro NH performs well in both sequential and random workloads, making it versatile for a wide range of applications, from transferring large files to everyday computing tasks.
It competes effectively with the Samsung 990 Pro, often outperforming it in specific benchmarks, offering an alternative to users seeking top-tier SSD performance.
3. Use Cases of Samsung 2TB 990 Pro PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
Here are some solid use cases for the Samsung 990 Pro 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD that you can consider:
(a) ** Gaming Enthusiasts **:
– Gamers can benefit from faster loading times and seamless gameplay, especially in open-world and resource-intensive games.
– It allows for quick game installations and updates, reducing downtime and maximizing gaming enjoyment.
(b) ** Content Creators **:
– Video editors, graphic designers, and 3D modelers can work with large files and projects more efficiently.
– Rendering and exporting videos, as well as handling high-resolution images, becomes significantly faster.
(c) ** Professional Productivity **:
– Professionals working with data analysis, simulations, or virtual machines will experience improved workflow efficiency.
– Reduced data transfer times and faster application responsiveness can boost productivity.
(d) ** Multitasking Power Users **:
– Users who frequently run multiple applications simultaneously can switch between them seamlessly.
– Running virtual environments, software development, and heavy multitasking becomes smoother and more responsive.
(e) ** Digital Storage Hub **:
– It serves as a high-speed storage hub for storing large media libraries, including 4K videos, high-res photos, and music collections.
– Users can quickly access and manage their digital content.
(f) ** Creative Studios and Media Production **:
– Studios involved in video production, animation, and audio recording/editing can take advantage of fast data access and rendering.
– Collaborative projects with multiple team members benefit from reduced file transfer times.
(g) ** High-Performance Laptops and Workstations **:
– Laptops and workstations equipped with the Samsung 990 Pro experience faster boot times and application launches.
– Professionals on the go can maintain productivity levels without compromising on performance.
(h) ** Enthusiast PC Builds **:
– PC enthusiasts and builders can showcase top-tier storage performance in their custom rigs.
– It complements high-end components for an overall powerful computing experience.
(i) ** Data Backup and Redundancy **:
– Users concerned about data security and redundancy can use the SSD as a high-speed backup drive.
– Regularly backing up critical files or creating system images for disaster recovery becomes efficient.
(j) ** Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) Experiences **:
– VR and AR applications demand rapid data access and loading times for immersive experiences.
– The SSD ensures smooth and lag-free VR/AR gameplay and interactions.
(k) ** Scientific Computing and Simulations **:
– Researchers and scientists running complex simulations and data analysis tasks can benefit from faster data processing.
– Scientific computing tasks can be completed more quickly, accelerating research progress.
(l) ** Server and Data Center Applications **:
– In enterprise environments, the Samsung 990 Pro can be used for high-speed data caching or as storage for virtual machines.
– It enhances server performance and reduces data retrieval times.
These use cases illustrate how the Samsung 990 Pro 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD can significantly improve performance and productivity across various fields, making it a versatile and valuable storage solution for a wide range of users.
4. Compatibility of Samsung 2TB 990 Pro PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
The Samsung 2TB 990 Pro PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD is compatible with a wide range of devices, including laptops, desktops, and gaming consoles like PS5 that support M.2 form factor SSDs.
Samsung has a FAQs page on NVMe SSD compatibility here. Be sure to check your device’s compatibility before purchasing. Below is a list of devices that others have tested and are suitable to put in the Samsung 990 Pro M.2 SSD:
- ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero Motherboard
- Below show where you can insert the Samsung 990 Pro PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
- DELL Alienware M16/M18 Gaming Laptops
- You can insert M.2 internal 2280 inside the SSD slot at below Motherboard
- Sony PlayStation 5
- The picture below shows where to insert your M.2 NVMe SSD into the slot.
Note: This Samsung 990 Pro M.2 SSD form factor is 2280 type. Therefore, it cannot be used on Steam Deck which only accept 2230 type.
5. Price and Value
While this SSD comes at a premium price point, the performance and storage capacity it offers make it a valuable investment for power users and enthusiasts.
Consider it an upgrade that will transform your computing experience
Samsung has just launched its 4TB 990 Pro version, and it will be on sale from October 2023. Therefore, the price of 2TB has been reduced. You should be able to get a lower price from now.
6. User Reviews
Here are some snippets from Amazon’s buyer reviews:
– “Unbelievable speed! My PC feels like it’s on steroids.”
– “The 2TB storage is a game-changer for me. I can finally store all my files without worrying about running out of space.”
– “Worth every penny. My video editing projects now finish in no time.”
– “This SSD is nothing short of blistering fast. I upgraded from a 3-4 year-old Samsung 970 Evo Plus NVMe 3.0 2TB drive, and the 990 Pro absolutely blows it out of the water.”
– “I bought 2 of these drives and used them to upgrade from a 500GB boot drive in my son’s MSI gaming laptop and from 1 TB to 2 TB on my home computer. The process was simple- I used an NVMe enclosure and the USB port to clone the original drive using Samsung’s magician software and it was truly magic! No backing up, it took about 20 minutes for my son’s computer to clone and about 40 minutes for mine. Inserted the drive, the system booted right up with all programs, and all the settings there. Beautiful!”
– “With tax, I paid about $180 for 2 Terra bytes of additional storage for my PS5. Installation took about ten minutes and consisted of 3 screws (base of PS stand, drive bay cover, hold-down screw/spacer). The PS5 recognized it immediately and asked if I wanted to format the drive. This took less than 2 minutes to accomplish. I then moved a little over half a TB of games to the drive. I’m not sure how long that took, but it was less than 5 minutes. All games work with no noticeable lag and memory usage appears to be reported accurately by the PS5.”
7. Where To Buy
You can find the Samsung 2TB 990 Pro PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD at reputable electronics retailers or online stores. Check out the product page on Samsung’s official website for more details.
You may visit Amazon Online Store here:
8. Conclusion
In conclusion, the Samsung 2TB 990 Pro PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD is undeniably a high-performance storage solution that can significantly improve your computing experience.
Its lightning-fast speeds, ample storage capacity, and positive user reviews make it a worthy investment for those seeking top-tier storage performance.
While it may come at a premium price, the value it offers in terms of productivity, speed, and reliability is well worth it for power users and tech enthusiasts.
I’ve been considering the Samsung 2TB 990 Pro myself, and I have to say, it seems like a solid choice. The speed and performance upgrades from its predecessor are quite appealing, especially if you’re into gaming or any tasks that demand high-speed storage. However, whether it’s worth buying really depends on your specific needs and budget. If you require top-notch performance and have the budget for it, it could be a great investment. But if you’re on a tight budget or don’t require such high speeds, there might be more cost-effective options out there. Ultimately, it’s about finding the right balance between your needs and your budget.
Hi Jake,
Good to hear that you like this Samsung 2TB 990 Pro SSD as well.
With the latest PCIe 4.0 interface and MLC NAND flash memory, it offers some of the fastest read and write speeds on the market, making it ideal for demanding applications such as gaming, video editing, and software development.
This SSD is also very durable, with a rated TBW (terabytes written) of 600 TB. This means that you can write 600 TB of data to the drive before it starts to wear out.
Samsung has just released a 4TB version of the 990 Pro SSD in October 2023. It offers the same sequential read and write speeds as the 2TB model, but it has higher random read and write speeds. This is because the 4TB model has more flash memory chips, which allows it to access data more quickly.
You may consider it as well, if you have more budget.
It’s a shame that I bought my new smartphone yesterday and that I didn’t stumble upon this article! I would have considered the Samsung 2TB 990 Pro! Indeed, it seems very performant, and the new protocol makes it faster to read and write. Also, I believe that if you want to have great pictures, this smartphone is what you need as well. great job in detailing all the features of this new phone! You’ll help lots of people.
Hi Angelce,
No, the Samsung 2TB 990 Pro SSD cannot be used in a smartphone. Smartphones use a different type of storage memory called eMMC or UFS. These types of memory are designed to be smaller and more energy-efficient than SSDs, which are designed for use in computers and laptops.
Additionally, the 990 Pro SSD uses the M.2 form factor, which is not compatible with smartphones. Smartphones use a different form factor called microSD.
If you are looking to increase the internal memory of your smartphone, you will need to purchase a microSD card. MicroSD cards are available in a variety of capacities, so you can choose the one that is right for you.
We have a few articles about SD cards, you may have a read about them. If you would like to know the largest SD card available, check this link for more information.
Here are some tips for choosing a microSD card for your smartphone:
Make sure that your smartphone has a microSD card slot.Choose a microSD card with a fast read and write speed.Choose a microSD card with a high capacity.Choose a microSD card from a reputable brand.
I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
This is a very informative and well-written article that reviews the Samsung 2TB 990 Pro SSD, a high-performance storage device that offers lightning-fast speeds and ample storage capacity. I enjoyed reading the article and learning more about the product’s specifications, features, and performance. The article provides a lot of information and benchmarks to support its claims and comparisons. This article is a great help for users who need high-speed, high-capacity storage for their demanding applications.
I have a question: Does this product have a minimum RAM memory requirement in the computer to take advantage of its full performance? I know that it requires a PCIe 4.0 interface and a compatible motherboard and CPU, but I wonder if the amount of RAM also affects the SSD’s performance.
Thank you for sharing such valuable insights!
Hi Pablo,
Thanks for dropping by to give me your feedback.
The Samsung 2TB 990 Pro SSD does not have a minimum RAM memory requirement in the computer to take advantage of its full performance. However, having more RAM can improve the overall performance of your computer, including the performance of your SSD.
This is because when you have more RAM, your computer can store more data in memory, which can reduce the number of times that your computer needs to access the SSD. This can lead to faster loading times for applications and games, as well as improved performance for tasks such as video editing and software development.
However, it is important to note that the amount of RAM that you need will depend on your specific needs and workload. If you are only using your computer for basic tasks such as browsing the web and checking email, then you may not need a lot of RAM.
Otherwise, if you are using your computer for more demanding tasks such as gaming or video editing, then you may need more RAM to get the best performance.
As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended to have at least 8GB of RAM for most users. For demanding tasks, you may want to consider having 16GB or more of RAM.
Here are some tips for getting the best performance out of your Samsung 2TB 990 Pro SSD:
Make sure that your computer has a PCIe 4.0 interface and a compatible motherboard and CPU.Install the latest firmware for your SSD.Keep your operating system and drivers up to date.Use a defragmentation tool to defragment your SSD on a regular basis.Avoid filling up your SSD completely. It is recommended to leave at least 10% of the SSD free.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your Samsung 2TB 990 Pro SSD performs at its best.