Searching for the perfect upgrade for your PC or laptop? A solid-state drive (SSD) is often the first place to look, and Samsung’s EVO series has long been a benchmark for performance and reliability. But with so many options out there, how do you find the ideal 2TB model, and more importantly, the best price for Samsung EVO 2TB SSD?
It can feel like a maze, right? Whether you’re a gamer needing lightning-fast load times, a creative professional dealing with huge files, or just someone tired of their sluggish system, a 2TB Samsung EVO SSD offers a fantastic balance of speed, capacity, and durability. In this guide, we’re cutting through the noise to highlight five of the top Samsung EVO 2TB SSDs on the market, helping you make an informed decision and grab a great deal. Let’s dive in!
Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD 2TB, PCIe Gen 4×4, Gen…
The Samsung 990 EVO Plus stands out as a formidable contender for those seeking bleeding-edge performance without breaking the bank on a pure Gen 5 drive. This SSD brilliantly bridges the gap between PCIe Gen 4 and Gen 5 technologies, offering impressive read/write speeds that make short work of large file transfers, game loading, and demanding applications. It’s a fantastic choice for enthusiasts and professionals who need top-tier speed and efficiency. Its focus on exceptional thermal control also means it stays cool under pressure, ensuring consistent performance even during intense workloads.
- Groundbreaking Read/Write Speeds: Up to 7,250/6,300MB/s sequential speeds.
- Large Storage Capacity: Utilizes Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0 for enhanced large-file performance.
- Exceptional Thermal Control: Nickel-coated controller for less power consumption and stable performance.
- Optimized Performance: Compatible with PCIe 4.0 x4 and PCIe 5.0 x2 for enhanced bandwidth.
- Magician Software Support: Keeps your drive updated, monitors health, and boosts performance.
Pros:
– Blazing fast speeds for demanding tasks.
– Excellent thermal management prevents throttling.
– Forward-compatible with PCIe Gen 5 (x2 lanes).
– Efficient power consumption.
– Reliable Samsung build quality.
Cons:
– Not a full PCIe Gen 5 x4 drive, so it won’t max out Gen 5 potential.
– May be overkill for basic everyday users.
User Impressions: Users frequently praise the 990 EVO Plus for its noticeable speed boost in gaming and heavy workstation tasks. Many highlight its efficient operation and the peace of mind offered by Samsung’s Magician software. It’s often seen as a smart upgrade for those looking for a high-performance SSD.
Samsung Electronics 870 EVO 2TB 2.5 Inch SATA III…
The Samsung 870 EVO is truly an all-star in the SATA SSD world, embodying the pinnacle of 2.5-inch solid-state drive technology. If you’re looking for a reliable, widely compatible, and impressively durable upgrade for an older laptop or desktop that doesn’t support the newer M.2 NVMe standard, this is your go-to. It maximizes the SATA interface’s limits, delivering consistent and robust performance that makes everyday computing feel incredibly snappy. For many, this is still the go-to for the best price for Samsung EVO 2TB SSD in the SATA form factor.
- The SSD All-Star: Indisputable performance, reliability, and compatibility built upon Samsung’s pioneering technology.
- Excellence in Performance: Maxes out SATA interface at 560/530 MB/s sequential speeds; accelerates write speeds with a larger variable buffer.
- Industry Defining Reliability: Meets the demands of every task with up to 2,400 TBW (Terabytes Written).
- More Compatible Than Ever: Compatibility tested for major host systems and applications, including chipsets, motherboards, NAS, and video recording devices.
- Advanced Encryption: Class 0 (AES 256) TCG/Opal v2.0, MS eDrive (IEEE1667).
Pros:
– Excellent performance for a SATA SSD.
– Extremely high compatibility with older systems.
– Outstanding durability and reliability (high TBW).
– Competitive price point.
– Easy to install in standard 2.5-inch bays.
Cons:
– Slower than NVMe SSDs due to SATA interface limitations.
– Not ideal for cutting-edge gaming PCs requiring the fastest speeds.
User Impressions: Customers consistently laud the 870 EVO for its rock-solid reliability and ease of installation. It’s a popular choice for breathing new life into older machines or as a dependable secondary storage drive. Users often note the significant speed upgrade over traditional hard drives and appreciate its consistent performance.
SAMSUNG 970 EVO Plus SSD 2TB NVMe M.2 Internal Solid…
The SAMSUNG 970 EVO Plus has long been a favorite among users seeking a high-performance NVMe SSD without the premium price tag of the latest Gen 4 or Gen 5 drives. Powered by advanced V-NAND technology, this M.2 SSD delivers impressive sequential read/write speeds, offering a substantial upgrade from SATA drives and even its predecessor, the 970 EVO. It’s a superb choice for a primary boot drive, gaming, or content creation, striking an excellent balance between speed, capacity, and value. For many, this offers the best price for Samsung EVO 2TB SSD when considering NVMe options.
- Always Evolving SSD: Powered by the latest V-NAND technology and firmware optimization, maximizing NVMe bandwidth.
- Breakthrough Read/Write Speeds: Reaches sequential read/write speeds up to 3,500/3,300 MB/s, up to 53% faster than the 970 EVO.
- Samsung Magician for Data Security: Provides user-friendly tools to keep your drive up to date, monitor health and speed, and boost performance.
- Superior Heat Dissipation: Samsung’s Dynamic Thermal Guard automatically monitors and maintains optimal operating temperatures.
- Reliable Endurance: Provides up to 1200 TBW with a 5-year limited warranty for exceptional endurance.
Pros:
– Excellent performance for a PCIe Gen 3 NVMe SSD.
– More affordable than Gen 4 drives, offering great value.
– Reliable with good endurance and a solid warranty.
– Effective thermal management.
– Magician software adds value and control.
Cons:
– Slower than newer PCIe Gen 4 and Gen 5 SSDs.
– Requires an M.2 slot on your motherboard.
User Impressions: This drive is consistently praised for its fantastic speed-to-price ratio. Users report significantly faster boot times, game loading, and application responsiveness. Its reliability and the useful Magician software are frequently mentioned as standout features, making it a highly recommended upgrade.
Samsung 990 PRO SSD NVMe M.2 PCIe Gen4, M.2 2280…
When only the absolute fastest will do, the Samsung 990 PRO steps up to the plate. This Gen 4 NVMe SSD is engineered for the most demanding tasks, from hardcore gaming and 8K video editing to complex data analysis. It pushes the boundaries of PCIe 4.0, delivering near-maximum performance with incredible read and write speeds. If you’re building a top-tier system or upgrading a high-end machine, the 990 PRO offers an unparalleled experience, especially for users who value speed above all else. This is where you’ll find top-tier performance for the best price for Samsung EVO 2TB SSD in the Gen 4 category.
- Meet the Next Gen: Reaches near max performance with lightning-fast speeds, built for hardcore gamers and tech gurus.
- Reach the Next Level: Gen4 steps up with faster transfer speeds and high-performance bandwidth; over 55% improvement in random performance compared to 980 PRO.
- The Fastest SSD from the World’s Flash Memory Brand: Read and write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s, reaching near max performance of PCIe 4.0.
- Play Without Limits: Ample storage capacities from 1TB to 4TB, ideal for gaming, video editing, data analysis, and more.
- It’s a Power Move: Get power efficiency all while experiencing up to 50% improved performance per watt over the 980 PRO.
Pros:
– Blazing-fast PCIe Gen 4 speeds, among the best available.
– Exceptional random performance for gaming and demanding applications.
– Highly power-efficient for its performance level.
– Ideal for high-end PCs, PS5, and professional workstations.
– Samsung’s reputation for reliability.
Cons:
– Premium price tag compared to Gen 3 and SATA drives.
– Requires a PCIe Gen 4 compatible motherboard to achieve full speeds.
User Impressions: Reviewers rave about the 990 PRO’s incredible speed, noting significant improvements in load times for games and large files. Gamers, video editors, and power users particularly appreciate its responsiveness and consistent high performance. Its efficiency is also a frequently highlighted positive.
SAMSUNG SSD 870 EVO, 2 TB, Form Factor 2.5 Inch,…
Another stellar contender in the 2.5-inch SATA category, this version of the Samsung 870 EVO reinforces why it’s a top choice for anyone needing reliable and compatible storage. It’s designed to seamlessly integrate into virtually any desktop PC or laptop that supports a standard 2.5-inch SATA form factor. This drive excels at maximizing the SATA III interface, providing fast sequential speeds perfect for everyday computing, system boot-ups, and general data storage. If you’re hunting for a dependable and robust general-purpose drive, this 870 EVO continues to be a fantastic option to secure the best price for Samsung EVO 2TB SSD in the SATA segment.
- Interface: Achieves the maximum SATA limit of 560/530 MB/s sequential speeds.
- Intelligent Turbo Write: Accelerates write speed and maintains long-term high performance.
- Samsung Magician 6 Software: Manage your drive with a range of useful tools to help you keep up with the latest updates, monitor the drive’s health and status.
- Designed for Compatibility: Perfect for anyone with a desktop PC or laptop that supports a standard 2.5-inch SATA form factor.
- Available Capacity: Offered in 2 TB, among other sizes.
Pros:
– Excellent performance for a SATA SSD.
– Extremely broad compatibility with various systems.
– Reliable and durable, backed by Samsung’s reputation.
– Magician software enhances user experience.
– Cost-effective storage solution for many users.
Cons:
– Limited by SATA III speeds, not as fast as NVMe drives.
– Doesn’t offer the extreme speeds needed for professional video editing or demanding gaming.
User Impressions: This model consistently receives high marks for its ease of installation and significant performance upgrade over traditional hard drives. Users frequently commend its reliability and the peace of mind that comes with Samsung’s brand. It’s often chosen for system upgrades where NVMe isn’t an option or simply not needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What’s the main difference between NVMe and SATA SSDs?
A: The main difference lies in their interface and speed. SATA SSDs use the older SATA III interface, typically offering sequential speeds up to around 560 MB/s. NVMe SSDs, on the other hand, connect via the PCIe interface, which offers significantly higher bandwidth, allowing for speeds ranging from 3,500 MB/s (PCIe Gen 3) to over 7,000 MB/s (PCIe Gen 4) and even faster with Gen 5. NVMe drives are usually smaller (M.2 form factor) while SATA drives are typically 2.5-inch.
Q2: Do I really need a 2TB SSD?
A: It depends on your usage! For most casual users, 500GB or 1TB might suffice. However, if you play a lot of modern games (which can be 100GB+ each), work with large media files (videos, high-res photos), or simply want to install many applications without worrying about space, a 2TB SSD provides ample room. It future-proofs your system and reduces the need for external drives.
Q3: What is “TBW” and why is it important for an SSD?
A: TBW stands for “Terabytes Written,” and it’s a measure of an SSD’s endurance. It indicates the total amount of data that can be written to the drive over its lifetime before its reliability might degrade. A higher TBW rating means the drive is designed to last longer under heavy use. For example, a 1200 TBW rating means you could write 1.2 petabytes of data over the drive’s lifetime. For most users, modern SSDs have more than enough TBW for many years of use.
Q4: Is the Samsung Magician software really useful?
A: Absolutely! Samsung Magician is proprietary software that helps you manage your Samsung SSD. It allows you to monitor drive health, check performance benchmarks, update firmware, optimize settings, and even enable features like over-provisioning for improved longevity and performance. It’s a fantastic tool for keeping your SSD in top shape.
Q5: Can I use a PCIe Gen 4 SSD in a PCIe Gen 3 slot?
A: Yes, generally. PCIe is backward compatible. A PCIe Gen 4 SSD will work in a PCIe Gen 3 slot, but it will operate at Gen 3 speeds, meaning you won’t get the full performance of the Gen 4 drive. Similarly, a Gen 5 SSD will work in a Gen 4 or Gen 3 slot, but at the respective slower speeds. To get the advertised speeds, your motherboard and CPU must support the corresponding PCIe generation.
Q6: How do I ensure I’m getting the best price for a Samsung EVO 2TB SSD?
A: To find the best price, keep an eye on major retailers like Amazon, Newegg, Best Buy, and others. Prices often fluctuate, especially during sales events like Black Friday, Prime Day, or specific tech sales. Comparing prices across different vendors and checking price history tools can help you spot a good deal. Don’t forget to check for bundle deals or discounts if you’re buying other components.
Q7: Are all 2TB SSDs actually 2000GB in formatted capacity?
A: No, not exactly. Hard drive manufacturers typically define a terabyte as 1,000,000,000,000 bytes (decimal), while operating systems define it as 1,099,511,627,776 bytes (binary). This means a “2TB” drive will show up as slightly less than 2TB (around 1.81 TB or 1860 GB) when formatted in your operating system. This is normal and applies to all storage devices.