970 Evo vs 990 Pro: Which SSD Reigns Supreme?
Upgrading your PC’s storage can feel like navigating a minefield. With a sea of options, it’s easy to get lost in the specifications. Today, we’re diving into a head-to-head showdown to help you make the best choice for your needs.
We’re putting two titans of the SSD world against each other: the Samsung 970 EVO and the newer, faster Samsung 990 Pro. Both are popular choices, but one clearly outperforms the other. This comparison will break down everything you need to know.
We’ll examine performance, features, and value to determine which SSD is the ultimate champion. Whether you’re a gamer, a creative professional, or simply looking to speed up your system, this guide will provide valuable insights. Let’s see how the 970 evo vs 990 pro stack up!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | 970 evo | 990 pro |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4 | NVMe PCIe Gen4 x4 |
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 | M.2 2280 |
| Controller | Samsung Phoenix | Samsung Pascal |
| NAND Flash | Samsung V-NAND 3-bit MLC (TLC) | Samsung V-NAND 3-bit MLC (TLC) |
| Sequential Read (Max) | Up to 3,500 MB/s | Up to 7,450 MB/s |
| Sequential Write (Max) | Up to 3,300 MB/s | Up to 6,900 MB/s |
| Random Read (QD1) | Up to 13K IOPS | Up to 16K IOPS |
| Random Write (QD1) | Up to 43K IOPS | Up to 65K IOPS |
| TBW (Terabytes Written) – 1TB model | 600 TBW | 600 TBW |
| Power Consumption (Active) | Up to 5.5 W | Up to 5.4 W |
| Warranty | 5 Years Limited | 5 Years Limited |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Interface
- 970 Evo: Utilizes PCIe Gen 3.0 x4 interface, offering solid performance for its time. While still capable, it’s limited by the older interface and can be a bottleneck compared to newer drives.
- 990 Pro: Employs a PCIe Gen 4.0 x4 interface, providing significantly higher bandwidth and faster transfer speeds. This allows for quicker loading times and overall snappier performance.
- Winner: 990 pro
Sequential Read Speed
- 970 Evo: Typically offers sequential read speeds around 3,500 MB/s. This is a respectable speed for general use and gaming.
- 990 Pro: Boasts impressive sequential read speeds, often exceeding 7,450 MB/s. This results in incredibly fast file transfers and application loading.
- Winner: 990 pro
Sequential Write Speed
- 970 Evo: Provides sequential write speeds around 2,500 MB/s to 3,300 MB/s, depending on the capacity. This is adequate for most tasks, but can be slower than newer drives.
- 990 Pro: Delivers exceptional sequential write speeds, often exceeding 6,900 MB/s. This makes it ideal for content creation and any task involving large file writes.
- Winner: 990 pro
Random Read Speed (IOPS)
- 970 Evo: Achieves random read IOPS of approximately 370,000 to 450,000. This impacts responsiveness when handling many small files.
- 990 Pro: Offers significantly higher random read IOPS, often exceeding 1,400,000. This translates to a much more responsive user experience, particularly in operating systems and applications.
- Winner: 990 pro
Random Write Speed (IOPS)
- 970 Evo: Provides random write IOPS of approximately 390,000 to 450,000. Still capable for many applications.
- 990 Pro: Boasts impressive random write IOPS, often exceeding 1,550,000. This contributes to exceptional performance in tasks involving frequent file modifications.
- Winner: 990 pro
Controller
- 970 Evo: Utilizes Samsung’s Phoenix controller, a capable controller for its generation, but limited by the PCIe 3.0 interface.
- 990 Pro: Features Samsung’s custom controller designed for PCIe 4.0, optimized for high speeds and efficiency.
- Winner: 990 pro
NAND Flash Memory
- 970 Evo: Typically uses Samsung’s V-NAND flash memory, offering good performance and reliability for its time.
- 990 Pro: Employs Samsung’s latest V-NAND flash memory, providing improved performance, endurance, and power efficiency.
- Winner: 990 pro
Power Consumption
- 970 Evo: Generally has lower power consumption compared to the 990 Pro, especially during idle.
- 990 Pro: Higher power consumption due to its faster speeds and PCIe 4.0 interface, which can impact battery life in laptops.
- Winner: 970 evo
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Interface | 990 pro |
| Sequential Read Speed | 990 pro |
| Sequential Write Speed | 990 pro |
| Random Read Speed | 990 pro |
| Random Write Speed | 990 pro |
| Overall Performance | 990 pro |
| Value | 970 evo |
What They Have in Common:
- Form Factor: Both drives utilize the M.2 2280 form factor, making them compatible with a wide range of laptops and desktop motherboards.
- Nand Type: Both use Samsung’s V-NAND 3-bit MLC (TLC) flash memory, balancing performance and endurance.
- Warranty: Both SSDs are backed by a 5-year limited warranty, providing peace of mind.
- Reliability: Both drives are designed and manufactured by Samsung, known for their high reliability and quality.
- Capacity Options: Both drives are available in a range of capacities.
970 Evo Vs 990 Pro Buying Guide
Performance for Gaming
The 990 Pro generally offers a superior gaming experience compared to the 970 Evo. Its faster read and write speeds translate to quicker game load times and smoother in-game performance, especially in games that heavily utilize storage. While the 970 Evo is still a capable drive for gaming, the 990 Pro’s advanced technology provides a noticeable advantage, particularly for users with high-end systems. The difference is more pronounced when playing large, open-world games or titles with frequent asset streaming.
The 990 Pro’s faster speeds can also contribute to a more responsive overall system feel, reducing lag and improving the responsiveness of your PC. The increased performance can lead to a more enjoyable and immersive gaming experience, giving you an edge in competitive gaming scenarios.
Performance for Content Creation
Content creators, such as video editors, photographers, and graphic designers, will find the 990 Pro a more appealing option. The 990 Pro’s faster speeds significantly reduce the time required for tasks like rendering, exporting, and importing large files. This leads to increased productivity and a smoother workflow. The 970 Evo, while still functional, may cause bottlenecks in these demanding tasks.
The ability to handle large files and complex projects with ease is a key advantage for content creators. The 990 Pro can handle heavier workloads, such as 4K or 8K video editing, with greater efficiency. This can result in significant time savings and improve the overall creative process, allowing creators to focus on their craft.
Price and Value
The 970 Evo often presents a more budget-friendly option, making it an attractive choice for users looking for a balance of performance and affordability. The 990 Pro, being a newer and more advanced drive, usually comes with a higher price tag. Consider your budget and your specific needs before making a decision.
Evaluate the cost-benefit ratio. If you are a casual user, the 970 Evo might be sufficient. However, if speed is crucial and you’re willing to invest more, the 990 Pro can provide a significant performance boost. Consider the long-term value, as the 990 Pro’s performance can extend the lifespan of your system.
Storage Capacity
Both the 970 Evo and 990 Pro are available in various storage capacities, allowing you to choose the size that best suits your needs. Consider the amount of storage you require for your operating system, applications, games, and media files. The storage capacity should match your current needs and any future expansion plans.
Ensure you select a drive size that comfortably accommodates your current data and leaves room for future growth. Insufficient storage can lead to performance issues and the need for frequent data management. Consider how much space your games and projects take up and ensure that you have enough to work with.
Power Consumption and Heat
The 990 Pro, while offering superior performance, may consume more power and generate more heat than the 970 Evo. This is a crucial factor, especially for users with laptops or small form factor PCs. Proper cooling solutions, such as heatsinks, may be required for optimal performance and to prevent thermal throttling.
Ensure that your system has adequate cooling to manage the heat generated by the 990 Pro. Consider the power requirements of your system and whether your power supply can handle the increased demand. The 970 Evo may be a more power-efficient option if power consumption is a key concern for you.
Compatibility and Features
Both drives are compatible with most modern motherboards that support NVMe M.2 SSDs. Ensure your motherboard has the appropriate slot and supports the PCIe 4.0 interface for the 990 Pro to achieve its full potential. Check the specifications of your system to ensure compatibility before purchasing.
Consider the features offered by each drive, such as encryption and software support. The 990 Pro may include more advanced features, such as improved thermal management or enhanced performance through firmware updates. Check for the manufacturer’s software and its associated features to assess its value for your needs.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy 970 evo If…
- You have a system that only supports PCIe Gen3.
- You are on a budget and looking for a more affordable option.
- You primarily use your computer for general tasks like web browsing, office work, and light gaming.
- You don’t need the absolute fastest storage speeds.
Buy 990 pro If…
- You have a system that supports PCIe Gen4.
- You need the absolute best performance for demanding tasks.
- You frequently work with large files, video editing, or other data-intensive applications.
- You want the fastest possible load times for games and applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the 970 Evo and 990 Pro?
The 990 Pro offers significantly faster read and write speeds compared to the 970 Evo, leveraging newer PCIe 4.0 technology, resulting in improved performance for gaming, content creation, and overall system responsiveness. It also has a more advanced controller.
Which drive is better for gaming?
The 990 Pro is generally better for gaming, offering faster load times and smoother in-game performance, particularly in games that rely heavily on storage. However, the 970 Evo is still a great option, especially for budget-conscious gamers, but may result in slightly longer load times.
Which drive is better for content creation?
The 990 Pro is the better choice for content creation, as its faster speeds translate to quicker rendering, exporting, and importing times. This can significantly improve productivity for video editors, photographers, and other creative professionals. It provides a more efficient workflow.
Is the 990 Pro worth the extra cost?
Whether the 990 Pro is worth the extra cost depends on your needs and budget. If you require the absolute best performance and are willing to pay the premium, the 990 Pro is an excellent choice. If budget is a concern, the 970 Evo still provides excellent performance.
Does the 990 Pro generate more heat?
Yes, the 990 Pro can generate more heat than the 970 Evo due to its higher performance capabilities. Proper cooling solutions, such as heatsinks, may be necessary to prevent thermal throttling and maintain optimal performance, especially in demanding applications.
Do I need a PCIe 4.0 slot for the 990 Pro?
Yes, to achieve the full performance potential of the 990 Pro, you need a motherboard with a PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot. While it is backward compatible with PCIe 3.0, it will be limited by the slower interface’s capabilities, so you won’t get the max speed.
What is the warranty for these SSDs?
Both the 970 Evo and 990 Pro typically come with a manufacturer’s warranty, which usually covers a period of 5 years or until the drive reaches its TBW (Terabytes Written) limit. Always check the specific warranty details with the manufacturer.
Final Verdict
The 990 Pro unequivocally outperforms the 970 Evo in terms of speed and overall performance, especially in tasks like gaming and content creation. While the 970 Evo remains a solid and cost-effective choice, the 990 Pro’s enhanced technology provides a noticeable advantage for users who demand the best possible experience. The 990 Pro’s faster speeds translate to reduced load times, smoother gameplay, and increased productivity.
However, the 970 Evo is still competitive, offering a good balance of price and performance, making it a viable option for those on a tighter budget. Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific needs and budget.
Winner: 990 Pro