Samsung 990 Pro vs 970 Evo Plus: SSD Showdown!
Looking to upgrade your storage and wondering which Samsung SSD reigns supreme? The battle between the Samsung 990 Pro and the 970 Evo Plus is a crucial one for anyone seeking blazing-fast performance. Both drives have earned their stripes in the SSD arena, but which one truly deserves a spot in your system?
This comparison dives deep into the specifications, performance benchmarks, and real-world usage scenarios of the Samsung 990 Pro and the 970 Evo Plus. We’ll explore their strengths, weaknesses, and how they stack up against each other in terms of speed, efficiency, and value. Get ready to discover which SSD is the perfect fit for your needs.
Whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or simply seeking a faster computing experience, understanding the differences between these two Samsung powerhouses is essential. We’ll break down the technical jargon and provide clear insights to help you make an informed decision and choose the best SSD for your budget and performance requirements.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | 990 Pro | 970 Evo Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 | NVMe PCIe 3.0 x4 |
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 | M.2 2280 |
| Sequential Read (Max) | Up to 7,450 MB/s | Up to 3,500 MB/s |
| Sequential Write (Max) | Up to 6,900 MB/s | Up to 3,300 MB/s |
| Random Read (QD1) | Up to 22,000 IOPS | Up to 17,000 IOPS |
| Random Write (QD1) | Up to 80,000 IOPS | Up to 54,000 IOPS |
| TBW (Terabytes Written) – 1TB | 600 TBW | 600 TBW |
| Controller | Samsung Pascal Controller | Samsung Phoenix Controller |
| NAND Flash Memory | Samsung V-NAND 3-bit MLC | Samsung V-NAND 3-bit MLC |
| Encryption | AES 256-bit Hardware-Based Encryption | AES 256-bit Hardware-Based Encryption |
| Warranty | 5-Year Limited Warranty | 5-Year Limited Warranty |
| Operating Temperature | 0 – 70 °C | 0 – 70 °C |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Interface
- Samsung 990 Pro: PCIe 4.0 x4 interface. Offers significantly faster theoretical bandwidth compared to PCIe 3.0. This allows for quicker data transfer rates, especially beneficial for demanding applications.
- 970 Evo Plus: PCIe 3.0 x4 interface. While still fast, it’s limited by the older standard’s bandwidth. This can result in slower transfer speeds when compared to the 990 Pro, especially with large files.
- Winner: 990 Pro
Sequential Read Speed
- Samsung 990 Pro: Up to 7,450 MB/s. Offers blistering sequential read speeds, making it ideal for loading large files, games, and applications quickly.
- 970 Evo Plus: Up to 3,500 MB/s. Still a respectable speed, but significantly slower than the 990 Pro. This results in longer loading times for some tasks.
- Winner: 990 Pro
Sequential Write Speed
- Samsung 990 Pro: Up to 6,900 MB/s. Provides impressive sequential write speeds, enabling faster file transfers and data backups.
- 970 Evo Plus: Up to 3,300 MB/s. Competent write speeds, but not as fast as the 990 Pro. This will affect tasks involving writing large files.
- Winner: 990 Pro
Random Read Speed (IOPS)
- Samsung 990 Pro: Up to 1,400,000 IOPS. Exceptional random read performance translates to faster system responsiveness and quicker application loading.
- 970 Evo Plus: Up to 600,000 IOPS. Good random read speeds, but significantly slower than the 990 Pro. This impacts the overall snappiness of the system.
- Winner: 990 Pro
Random Write Speed (IOPS)
- Samsung 990 Pro: Up to 1,550,000 IOPS. The high IOPS rating contributes to excellent responsiveness during multitasking and handling complex workloads.
- 970 Evo Plus: Up to 550,000 IOPS. Adequate random write speeds, but well behind the 990 Pro. Performance in write-intensive tasks will be noticeably slower.
- Winner: 990 Pro
NAND Flash Memory
- Samsung 990 Pro: Uses Samsung’s advanced V-NAND technology, offering improved performance, endurance, and power efficiency.
- 970 Evo Plus: Employs Samsung’s V-NAND technology, but likely an older generation. Still a reliable and efficient flash memory solution.
- Winner: 990 Pro
Endurance (TBW)
- Samsung 990 Pro: Offers a high Terabytes Written (TBW) rating, indicating a longer lifespan and greater durability.
- 970 Evo Plus: Has a lower TBW rating than the 990 Pro, but still provides a good lifespan for typical usage.
- Winner: 990 Pro
Price
- Samsung 990 Pro: Generally more expensive due to its advanced technology and higher performance.
- 970 Evo Plus: More affordable, making it a budget-friendly option while still providing good performance.
- 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 |
What They Have in Common:
- Form Factor: Both the 990 Pro and 970 Evo Plus utilize the M.2 2280 form factor, making them compatible with a wide range of laptops and desktops. This ensures easy installation and compatibility across various systems.
- Nand Flash: Both drives use Samsung’s V-NAND 3-bit MLC (Multi-Level Cell) flash memory, which provides a good balance of performance, endurance, and cost-effectiveness. This technology contributes to their overall reliability.
- Warranty: Both SSDs are backed by a 5-year limited warranty, offering users peace of mind and assurance of product quality and longevity. This warranty protects against potential defects.
- Encryption: They both feature AES 256-bit hardware-based encryption, securing data against unauthorized access. This is important for protecting sensitive information stored on the drive.
- Operating Temperature: Both drives share the same operating temperature range, allowing for consistent performance under various operating conditions. This ensures stable performance.
Samsung 990 Pro Vs 970 Evo Plus Buying Guide
Performance: Raw Speed and Real-World Use
The Samsung 990 Pro boasts significantly faster sequential read and write speeds, thanks to its PCIe 4.0 interface and advanced controller. This translates to quicker file transfers, faster game load times, and a more responsive overall system. The 970 Evo Plus, while still a capable drive, operates at PCIe 3.0 speeds, resulting in noticeably slower performance in demanding tasks. In real-world applications such as video editing or running virtual machines, the 990 Pro offers a tangible advantage, making it the superior choice for users prioritizing speed.
Storage Capacity and Options
Both the 990 Pro and 970 Evo Plus are available in various storage capacities, catering to diverse user needs. You can typically find both drives offering capacities ranging from 250GB to 2TB, with the 990 Pro often extending to 4TB options. Consider your storage requirements carefully; if you frequently work with large files, 1TB or 2TB models are recommended. Think about future needs, too, to avoid the hassle of upgrading later. Ensure your motherboard supports the capacity you intend to purchase.
Price and Value Proposition
The 990 Pro generally commands a higher price tag compared to the 970 Evo Plus, reflecting its superior performance and newer technology. The 970 Evo Plus offers excellent value, providing a balance of performance and affordability, especially for users not requiring the absolute fastest speeds. Consider the price difference and how it aligns with your budget and performance needs. Evaluate whether the performance boost of the 990 Pro justifies the increased cost for your specific use cases, such as gaming or content creation.
Durability and Endurance Ratings
SSD durability is measured by its Terabytes Written (TBW) rating, which indicates how much data can be written to the drive before potential failure. The 990 Pro and 970 Evo Plus both come with impressive endurance ratings, with the 990 Pro typically offering a slightly higher TBW value for each capacity. This suggests a longer lifespan under heavy write workloads. Consider the amount of data you write daily; if you’re a heavy user, prioritize drives with higher TBW ratings for extended reliability and peace of mind.
Compatibility and Installation
Both drives use the M.2 form factor, making them compatible with modern motherboards. Ensure your motherboard has an M.2 slot and supports the PCIe 4.0 standard for the 990 Pro to achieve its full performance potential. Installing an M.2 SSD is relatively straightforward, but consult your motherboard’s manual for specific instructions. Before installation, back up important data. Check the drive’s firmware and update it for optimal performance and stability after installation.
Warranty and Support
Samsung typically provides a standard warranty period for both drives. Check the warranty terms and conditions before making a purchase. The warranty covers manufacturing defects and failures during the warranty period. Samsung also offers customer support through its website and other channels. Consider the warranty duration and the availability of support when making your decision. Having a reliable warranty offers peace of mind and protection against potential issues.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy 990 Pro If…
- You need the absolute fastest storage performance for demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, and content creation.
- You have a PCIe 4.0 compatible motherboard to fully utilize the drive’s speed.
- You prioritize the latest technology and top-tier performance above all else.
- You want the best possible random read and write speeds.
Buy 970 Evo Plus If…
- You’re upgrading from a slower SATA SSD or a traditional hard drive and want a significant performance boost.
- You have a PCIe 3.0 or PCIe 4.0 system and are looking for a great value.
- You’re on a budget but still want a fast and reliable NVMe SSD.
- You don’t need the absolute bleeding-edge speeds of the 990 Pro.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the 990 Pro and 970 Evo Plus?
The primary difference lies in the interface and performance. The 990 Pro utilizes the PCIe 4.0 interface, offering significantly faster read and write speeds compared to the 970 Evo Plus, which uses PCIe 3.0. This difference is most noticeable in tasks involving large file transfers, game loading, and overall system responsiveness, as well as in content creation workflows. The 990 Pro provides a more cutting-edge experience.
Is the 990 Pro worth the extra cost?
Whether the 990 Pro is worth the extra cost depends on your usage. If you’re a gamer, content creator, or someone who frequently works with large files, the performance gains are noticeable and worth the investment. For general use, such as web browsing and document editing, the 970 Evo Plus offers excellent value. Consider your budget and the types of applications you use daily.
Does the 990 Pro run hot?
Yes, the 990 Pro, due to its higher performance, can generate more heat than the 970 Evo Plus. This is typical for high-performance NVMe SSDs. It is advisable to use a heatsink or the motherboard’s built-in heatsink to dissipate heat and prevent thermal throttling, which can reduce performance. Proper cooling ensures the drive operates optimally for extended periods.
Can I use the 990 Pro in a PCIe 3.0 slot?
Yes, the 990 Pro is backward compatible with PCIe 3.0 slots. However, it will be limited to the speeds of the PCIe 3.0 interface. While it will still outperform many other SSDs, you won’t experience the full performance potential of the 990 Pro. If you have a PCIe 3.0 slot, the 970 Evo Plus may be a more cost-effective choice.
What is the TBW rating, and why is it important?
TBW (Terabytes Written) indicates the total amount of data that can be written to the SSD before its expected lifespan ends. A higher TBW rating signifies greater endurance. It’s important because it gives you an idea of how long the drive will last under heavy write workloads. The higher the TBW, the longer the drive is likely to remain reliable, especially for professional users.
Which drive is better for gaming?
The 990 Pro is generally better for gaming due to its faster load times and responsiveness. While the difference may not be massive compared to the 970 Evo Plus, it provides a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience. It will also reduce the time you spend waiting for levels to load. The 990 Pro gives you a slight edge in competitive gaming scenarios.
How do I install an M.2 SSD?
Installing an M.2 SSD involves inserting it into the M.2 slot on your motherboard and securing it with a screw. Refer to your motherboard manual for the specific location and instructions. Ensure you have backed up your data beforehand. The computer must be powered down before installation. After installation, you’ll likely need to format the drive in your operating system.
Final Verdict
The Samsung 990 Pro emerges as the superior choice for users seeking the absolute best performance. Its PCIe 4.0 interface delivers significantly faster speeds, making it ideal for demanding applications. While the 970 Evo Plus remains a solid value, the 990 Pro justifies its higher price for those prioritizing speed. It is a premium choice.
Winner: Samsung 990 Pro