Samsung 970 Evo Plus vs 990 Pro: Which SSD Reigns?
Are you looking to upgrade your storage and wondering which Samsung SSD is the right choice? Choosing between the Samsung 970 EVO Plus and the 990 Pro can be a tough decision. Both offer impressive performance, but they cater to different needs and budgets.
This comparison delves into the key differences between these two popular NVMe SSDs, the Samsung 970 EVO Plus and the 990 Pro. We’ll examine their speeds, features, and overall value to help you make an informed decision. Get ready to find out which drive comes out on top for your specific needs.
Whether you’re a gamer, a creative professional, or simply seeking faster boot times, this guide will provide you with the insights you need. We will break down the specifications and real-world performance of the Samsung 970 EVO Plus versus the 990 Pro to help you make the best choice for your system.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | 970 EVO Plus | 990 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | NVMe PCIe Gen 3.0 x4 | NVMe PCIe Gen 4.0 x4 |
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 | M.2 2280 |
| 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 (4KB, QD32) | Up to 600,000 IOPS | Up to 1,400,000 IOPS |
| Random Write (4KB, QD32) | Up to 550,000 IOPS | Up to 1,550,000 IOPS |
| Controller | Samsung Phoenix | Samsung Pascal |
| NAND Flash Memory | Samsung V-NAND 3-bit MLC | Samsung V-NAND 3-bit MLC |
| TBW (Terabytes Written) | Up to 1,200 TBW (2TB model) | Up to 1,200 TBW (2TB model) |
| Encryption | AES 256-bit Hardware Encryption | AES 256-bit Hardware Encryption |
| Warranty | 5-Year Limited Warranty | 5-Year Limited Warranty |
| Software | Samsung Magician Software | Samsung Magician Software |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Interface
- Samsung 970 Evo Plus: Utilizes PCIe Gen 3.0 x4 interface. Offers backward compatibility but slower transfer speeds compared to newer generations. Generally a more affordable option.
- 990 Pro: Employs a PCIe Gen 4.0 x4 interface. Provides significantly faster read and write speeds, resulting in quicker application loading and file transfers. Requires a motherboard supporting PCIe 4.0.
- Winner: 990 Pro
Sequential Read Speed
- Samsung 970 Evo Plus: Boasts sequential read speeds up to 3,500 MB/s. Still respectable for many tasks, but lags behind newer drives.
- 990 Pro: Offers impressive sequential read speeds reaching up to 7,450 MB/s. Provides a noticeable performance boost for demanding workloads.
- Winner: 990 Pro
Sequential Write Speed
- Samsung 970 Evo Plus: Achieves sequential write speeds up to 3,300 MB/s. Sufficient for common tasks and content creation.
- 990 Pro: Delivers sequential write speeds up to 6,900 MB/s. Ideal for handling large files and intensive write operations.
- Winner: 990 Pro
Random Read Speed (IOPS)
- Samsung 970 Evo Plus: Offers random read IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second) up to 600K. Good for handling multiple small files.
- 990 Pro: Provides higher random read IOPS, reaching up to 1.4M. Improves responsiveness and overall system performance, especially in multitasking.
- Winner: 990 Pro
Random Write Speed (IOPS)
- Samsung 970 Evo Plus: Random write IOPS up to 550K. Performs well in various tasks.
- 990 Pro: Random write IOPS up to 1.55M. Excellent performance for intensive write operations.
- Winner: 990 Pro
Endurance (TBW)
- Samsung 970 Evo Plus: Available with varying TBW (Terabytes Written) ratings depending on capacity (e.g., 600 TBW for 1TB model). The 970 Evo Plus has a good TBW for its class.
- 990 Pro: Also available with different TBW ratings depending on capacity (e.g., 600 TBW for 1TB model). Often similar or slightly higher TBW ratings than the 970 Evo Plus.
- Winner: Tie
Power Consumption
- Samsung 970 Evo Plus: Typically consumes less power than the 990 Pro, especially during idle. Can be a factor for laptops or systems where power efficiency is critical.
- 990 Pro: Generally consumes more power, particularly during heavy workloads, due to higher performance.
- Winner: 970 Evo Plus
Pricing
- Samsung 970 Evo Plus: Generally more affordable than the 990 Pro, making it a good value option for budget-conscious users.
- 990 Pro: Typically priced higher, reflecting its superior performance and newer technology.
- Winner: 970 Evo Plus
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Performance | 990 Pro |
| Sequential Read Speed | 990 Pro |
| Sequential Write Speed | 990 Pro |
| Random Read Speed | 990 Pro |
| Random Write Speed | 990 Pro |
| Value | 970 EVO Plus |
| Compatibility | Tie |
What They Have in Common:
- Form Factor: Both the 970 EVO Plus and 990 Pro utilize the M.2 2280 form factor, making them compatible with a wide range of laptops and desktops. This ensures easy installation and a compact design.
- Nand Type: Both drives employ Samsung’s V-NAND technology, offering improved performance and endurance compared to older NAND technologies. This contributes to the reliability and longevity of the SSDs.
- Warranty: Both SSDs are backed by a 5-year limited warranty, providing users with peace of mind and assurance of product quality and support from Samsung. This reflects Samsung’s confidence in their product’s durability.
- Encryption: Both drives feature AES 256-bit hardware encryption, protecting your data from unauthorized access. This is a crucial feature for users concerned about data security.
- Software Support: Both drives are compatible with Samsung Magician software, which allows users to monitor drive health, optimize performance, and update firmware. This offers a user-friendly way to manage your SSD.
Samsung 970 Evo Plus Vs 990 Pro Buying Guide
Performance for Gaming
When considering gaming performance, the Samsung 990 Pro generally holds the edge. Its significantly faster read and write speeds, particularly in random access, translate to quicker game loading times and smoother in-game performance. While the 970 Evo Plus remains a capable drive, the 990 Pro’s advanced controller and faster NAND flash technology provide a noticeable advantage in modern games. The difference is often more apparent in games that frequently load assets, such as open-world titles.
Performance for Content Creation
Content creators, including video editors and graphic designers, will appreciate the 990 Pro’s superior performance. Its higher sequential and random write speeds allow for faster handling of large files, such as 4K or 8K video footage. The 990 Pro reduces render times and improves overall workflow efficiency. The 970 Evo Plus is still suitable for content creation, but the 990 Pro offers a significant upgrade, especially for professionals dealing with demanding tasks.
Price and Value
The Samsung 970 Evo Plus generally offers a better value proposition, especially if you are on a budget. It provides excellent performance for its price point and is a solid choice for everyday use and gaming. The 990 Pro, while offering superior performance, comes at a higher cost. Consider your budget and specific needs when choosing between the two. If you prioritize maximum performance and have the budget, the 990 Pro is the better choice.
Compatibility and Installation
Both drives are compatible with most modern motherboards that support NVMe M.2 SSDs. Installation is straightforward, typically involving inserting the drive into the M.2 slot and securing it with a screw. Ensure your motherboard supports the PCIe 4.0 standard to fully utilize the 990 Pro’s potential. Compatibility isn’t a major differentiating factor; however, check the specifics of your motherboard to ensure compatibility with either drive before purchase.
Power Consumption and Efficiency
The 990 Pro, while faster, can consume slightly more power than the 970 Evo Plus, especially under heavy workloads. However, the difference in power consumption is often negligible in everyday use. Both drives are relatively energy-efficient compared to older storage technologies. If you’re building a system with limited power resources or prioritizing battery life in a laptop, consider power consumption as a factor. Both drives include thermal management features to prevent overheating.
Durability and Reliability
Samsung SSDs are known for their reliability. Both the 970 Evo Plus and 990 Pro boast a high TBW (Terabytes Written) rating, indicating their durability and expected lifespan. The 990 Pro, with its newer technology, often comes with a slightly higher TBW rating. However, both drives are designed to last for many years of use. Consider your usage patterns and the amount of data you write to the drive when assessing durability, although both are excellent choices.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy 970 EVO Plus If…
- You have a system that only supports PCIe Gen3.
- You are looking for a reliable and fast NVMe SSD at a more budget-friendly price.
- Your primary use case involves general computing tasks, gaming, and light content creation.
- You don’t need the absolute fastest speeds available.
Buy 990 Pro If…
- You have a system that supports PCIe Gen4.
- You require the absolute best performance for demanding tasks like 4K video editing, heavy gaming, and professional workloads.
- You want the fastest read/write speeds available on an M.2 SSD.
- You are willing to pay a premium for top-tier performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the 970 Evo Plus and the 990 Pro?
The primary difference lies in performance. The 990 Pro utilizes newer, faster NAND flash technology and a more advanced controller, resulting in significantly improved read and write speeds compared to the 970 Evo Plus. This leads to faster loading times in games, quicker file transfers, and a more responsive overall system experience. The 990 Pro also generally offers a higher endurance rating.
Is the 990 Pro worth the extra cost?
Whether the 990 Pro is worth the extra cost depends on your specific needs. If you’re a gamer, content creator, or someone who frequently works with large files, the performance gains of the 990 Pro are noticeable and worth the investment. For general use, such as web browsing and office tasks, the 970 Evo Plus provides excellent performance at a more affordable price.
Does the 990 Pro require a PCIe 4.0 slot?
Yes, to fully realize the 990 Pro’s performance potential, it requires a motherboard with a PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot. While it can function in a PCIe 3.0 slot, its speeds will be limited to the PCIe 3.0 standard. Ensure your motherboard supports PCIe 4.0 before purchasing the 990 Pro to take advantage of its maximum performance capabilities. This is vital for optimal performance.
What is the TBW rating, and why is it important?
TBW (Terabytes Written) represents the total amount of data that can be written to the SSD over its lifespan before the manufacturer’s warranty is void. A higher TBW rating indicates a longer expected lifespan and greater durability. While both drives offer high TBW ratings, the 990 Pro often has a slightly higher rating, though both are designed for years of use.
Which drive is better for gaming?
The 990 Pro is generally the better choice for gaming due to its faster read and write speeds, which translate to quicker game loading times and smoother in-game performance. The difference is more pronounced in games that frequently load assets, such as open-world titles, where the 990 Pro’s speed gives it an edge. The 970 Evo Plus is still a capable gaming drive.
Is the 990 Pro faster than the 970 Evo Plus in real-world scenarios?
Yes, the 990 Pro is noticeably faster than the 970 Evo Plus in real-world scenarios, particularly in tasks that involve reading and writing large files, such as video editing, and loading large games. The performance gains are due to its advanced controller and faster NAND flash memory. These speed advantages translate to improved workflow and reduced waiting times.
What about heat management on these drives?
Both drives incorporate heat management features to prevent overheating. The 990 Pro uses a nickel-coated controller and a heat spreader label to dissipate heat efficiently. The 970 Evo Plus also employs heat-dissipating technology. However, for maximum performance, especially under heavy workloads, consider using a heatsink, particularly for the 990 Pro, to ensure optimal thermal management.
Final Verdict
The Samsung 990 Pro emerges as the superior choice due to its significantly enhanced performance in both gaming and content creation. While the 970 Evo Plus remains a capable and cost-effective option, the 990 Pro’s faster speeds, particularly in read and write operations, make it the winner for those seeking top-tier performance and the latest technology.
Winner: Samsung 990 Pro