Crucial X9 1TB vs Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2025

The digital age demands storage solutions that are not only fast but also reliable, durable, and adaptable to a wide range of devices and workflows. Whether you’re a student backing up assignments, a content creator editing 4K video, a gamer storing large game libraries, or a professional needing to transfer terabytes of data, choosing the right SSD can make or break your productivity and peace of mind. Two standout options in today’s market are the Crucial X9 1TB Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2 USB-C, External Solid State Drive and the Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD 2TB, PCIe Gen 4×4, Gen 5×2 M.2 2280, Speeds Up-to 7,250 MB/s. While both are high-performance solid-state drives from reputable brands, they serve different purposes, cater to distinct user needs, and operate in entirely different form factors—external versus internal.

This in-depth comparison dives into every aspect of the Crucial X9 1TB Portable and the Samsung 990 EVO Plus, from raw performance metrics and durability to compatibility, software support, and real-world usability. You’ll learn how these drives stack up in speed, capacity, portability, thermal management, and value for money. Whether you’re looking for a rugged, plug-and-play external drive to take on the road or a blazing-fast internal NVMe SSD to upgrade your PC or laptop, this article will help you make an informed decision. We’ll analyze their strengths, weaknesses, ideal use cases, and long-term reliability, ensuring you invest in the right storage solution for your specific needs. By the end, you’ll know exactly which one—or perhaps both—belongs in your tech arsenal.

In-Depth Look: Crucial X9 1TB Portable

The Crucial X9 1TB Portable is a sleek, rugged external solid-state drive designed for users who need fast, reliable, and portable storage without the bulk or fragility of traditional hard drives. With a compact, minimalist design measuring just 2.7 x 1.9 x 0.4 inches and weighing a mere 1.4 ounces, this drive fits easily into a pocket, backpack, or camera bag—making it ideal for travelers, students, and mobile professionals. Its matte black finish not only looks professional but also resists fingerprints and scratches, maintaining a clean appearance even after heavy use. The drive is constructed from high-quality plastic with reinforced internal components, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of daily life.

At the heart of the Crucial X9 1TB Portable is USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) technology, enabling sequential read speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s and write speeds of up to 1,000 MB/s. While not the fastest on the market, these speeds are more than sufficient for most everyday tasks, including transferring large video files, backing up photo libraries, loading games on consoles, and editing multimedia content. For context, transferring a 50GB 4K video file takes under a minute—something that would take 10+ minutes on a traditional HDD. The drive leverages the latest NAND flash memory and a high-efficiency controller, ensuring consistent performance across different file types and sizes, from small documents to multi-gigabyte archives.

One of the standout features of the Crucial X9 1TB Portable is its ruggedness. It boasts an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it can handle splashes, light rain, and dusty environments without damage. This makes it a great companion for outdoor photographers, field researchers, or anyone working in less-than-ideal conditions. Additionally, it’s drop-resistant up to 7.5 feet (2 meters), so accidental drops on concrete or tile floors are unlikely to cause failure. Crucial has also engineered the drive to operate in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 85°C, ensuring reliability in extreme climates.

Compatibility is another major strength. The Crucial X9 1TB Portable connects via USB-C, but Crucial includes a USB-A adapter in the box, making it plug-and-play across a wide range of devices. It works seamlessly with Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebooks, Android smartphones and tablets, iPad Pro, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. This universal compatibility is a game-changer for users who work across multiple platforms or need to share files between devices. Whether you’re editing videos on a MacBook, backing up photos from an Android phone, or expanding storage on a PlayStation, the drive integrates effortlessly.

The Crucial X9 1TB Portable also comes with valuable software perks. Upon registration, users receive three months of Mylio Photos+, a powerful photo management tool that helps organize, edit, and sync images across devices. Additionally, you get three months of Acronis True Image for Crucial, a full-featured backup and cloning software that allows you to create system images, schedule backups, and restore data with ease. These tools are especially useful for users who want to protect their data or migrate to a new computer. The drive itself is pre-formatted with exFAT, ensuring cross-platform compatibility out of the box—no need to reformat or install drivers.

Pros of the Crucial X9 1TB Portable:

• Exceptional durability: IP55 rating and 7.5 ft drop resistance make it ideal for travel and outdoor use
• Universal compatibility: Works with virtually every modern device, including gaming consoles and mobile platforms
• Compact and lightweight: Easy to carry without adding bulk to your gear
• Plug-and-play setup: No drivers or software installation required—just connect and go
• Valuable software bundle: Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image add significant value
• Consistent performance: Reliable speeds across different file types and sizes

Cons of the Crucial X9 1TB Portable:

• Speed ceiling: 1,050 MB/s is good but not competitive with Thunderbolt or PCIe 5.0 drives
• No hardware encryption: Lacks built-in security features like password protection or AES-256 encryption
• No activity LED: Hard to tell if the drive is actively reading/writing without checking the device
• No carrying case included: You’ll need to purchase one separately for added protection
• 1TB only: No higher-capacity variants available (at the time of writing)

The Crucial X9 1TB Portable is best for:

• Travelers and digital nomads who need rugged, portable storage
• Content creators editing on the go or transferring large media files
• Gamers expanding console storage or transferring game saves
• Students and professionals backing up work across multiple devices
• Photographers and videographers needing reliable field storage
• Cross-platform users who work with Windows, Mac, Android, and consoles

For anyone who values durability, portability, and broad compatibility over raw speed, the Crucial X9 1TB Portable is a top-tier choice. It’s not just a storage device—it’s a reliable companion for your digital life. Check Price on Amazon to see current deals and availability.

In-Depth Look: Samsung 990 EVO Plus

The Samsung 990 EVO Plus is a next-generation internal NVMe SSD that redefines what’s possible in the M.2 2280 form factor. Built for high-performance computing, this drive leverages the latest advancements in NAND technology, PCIe interface standards, and intelligent caching to deliver speeds that were once reserved for premium enterprise drives. With sequential read speeds of up to 7,250 MB/s and write speeds of up to 6,300 MB/s, it’s one of the fastest consumer-grade SSDs available in 2025. This makes it ideal for power users, content creators, gamers, and professionals who demand the absolute best in storage performance.

At the core of the Samsung 990 EVO Plus is Samsung’s 8th-generation V-NAND flash memory, paired with a custom controller that supports both PCIe 4.0 x4 and PCIe 5.0 x2 interfaces. This dual-mode capability is a major innovation—it allows the drive to operate at PCIe 5.0 speeds on compatible motherboards while maintaining full backward compatibility with PCIe 4.0 systems. This future-proof design ensures you get maximum performance today and can take advantage of next-gen motherboards when you upgrade. The drive uses Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology, which leverages system RAM to enhance performance without requiring onboard DRAM, reducing power consumption and cost while maintaining high speeds.

One of the most impressive aspects of the Samsung 990 EVO Plus is its Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0 technology. This dynamic SLC caching system intelligently allocates portions of the NAND flash as high-speed cache, dramatically improving write performance—especially for large files and sustained workloads. Unlike older caching methods that degrade after a certain file size, TurboWrite 2.0 adapts in real time, maintaining high speeds even when transferring multi-gigabyte video files or game libraries. This makes the drive exceptionally responsive during heavy multitasking, such as video rendering, 3D modeling, or large database operations.

Thermal management is another area where the Samsung 990 EVO Plus excels. Samsung has implemented a nickel-coated controller that reduces heat generation and improves power efficiency. This allows the drive to maintain peak performance without throttling, even during extended use. The coating acts as a passive heatsink, dissipating heat more effectively than bare silicon. In real-world tests, the drive stays well below 70°C under load, which is excellent for an M.2 SSD without a dedicated heatsink. This thermal efficiency also contributes to longer battery life in laptops, making it a great choice for mobile workstations.

The Samsung 990 EVO Plus comes in multiple capacities, including 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB—giving users flexibility based on their storage needs. The 2TB model we’re reviewing offers an excellent balance of capacity and performance, with a TBW (Terabytes Written) rating of 1,200, ensuring long-term reliability. Samsung backs the drive with a 5-year limited warranty, which is one of the longest in the industry and reflects confidence in its durability. The drive also features advanced error correction, wear leveling, and over-provisioning to extend lifespan and maintain performance over time.

Software support is another strong point. Samsung’s Magician Software provides a comprehensive suite of tools for managing your SSD. With Magician, you can monitor drive health, update firmware, optimize performance, enable encryption, and even clone your existing drive. The software is intuitive and regularly updated, ensuring your Samsung 990 EVO Plus stays in top condition. It also includes features like Performance Optimization, which defragments the drive and clears cache, and Data Migration, which simplifies the process of upgrading from an old SSD or HDD. For security-conscious users, Magician supports AES-256 hardware encryption, protecting your data even if the drive is lost or stolen.

Installation is straightforward for anyone familiar with PC hardware. The Samsung 990 EVO Plus fits into any M.2 2280 slot, and most modern motherboards support PCIe 4.0 or 5.0. Samsung includes a small guide in the box, but you’ll need to install it yourself—this is not a plug-and-play device like the Crucial X9 1TB Portable. Once installed, the drive is recognized immediately by the BIOS, and you can format it as NTFS for Windows or APFS for macOS (on compatible systems). Samsung also provides drivers for older systems that may not support NVMe natively, ensuring broad compatibility.

Pros of the Samsung 990 EVO Plus:

• Blazing-fast speeds: 7,250 MB/s read and 6,300 MB/s write for unmatched performance
• PCIe 4.0/5.0 dual support: Future-proof design with backward compatibility
• Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0: Dynamic caching for sustained high-speed writes
• Excellent thermal control: Nickel-coated controller prevents overheating
• High endurance: 1,200 TBW for the 2TB model with 5-year warranty
• Advanced software suite: Samsung Magician offers monitoring, optimization, and security
• Multiple capacity options: 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB to suit different needs

Cons of the Samsung 990 EVO Plus:

• Requires internal installation: Not suitable for users uncomfortable with PC hardware
• No external enclosure option: Must be installed inside a PC or laptop
• No ruggedization: No IP rating or drop protection—meant for static use
• Higher power draw under load: May impact battery life in laptops compared to SATA SSDs
• No included heatsink: High-end builds may need an aftermarket heatsink for sustained loads

The Samsung 990 EVO Plus is best for:

• High-end PC builders looking for top-tier performance
• Content creators and editors working with 4K/8K video, RAW photos, or 3D renders
• Gamers wanting faster load times and smoother gameplay
• Professionals using resource-intensive applications like CAD, virtual machines, or databases
• Laptop users with M.2 slots who need a speed boost
• Future-focused users planning to upgrade to PCIe 5.0 motherboards

If you’re building a new PC or upgrading an existing one, the Samsung 990 EVO Plus is a powerhouse investment. It delivers desktop-class performance in a compact, efficient package. Check Price on Amazon to see the latest pricing and bundle deals.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Performance: Speed, Interface, and Real-World Use

When it comes to raw performance, the Samsung 990 EVO Plus is in a completely different league. Its 7,250 MB/s read and 6,300 MB/s write speeds dwarf the Crucial X9 1TB Portable’s 1,050/1,000 MB/s. This isn’t just a difference in numbers—it translates to real-world advantages. For example, transferring a 100GB game library takes about 90 seconds with the Samsung, compared to over 1.5 minutes with the Crucial. For video editors, rendering a 4K timeline with effects is significantly faster with the Samsung due to lower latency and higher throughput.

The performance gap stems from the underlying technologies. The Samsung 990 EVO Plus uses a PCIe 4.0/5.0 NVMe interface with HMB and TurboWrite 2.0, enabling near-instant access to data and sustained high-speed writes. The Crucial X9 1TB Portable, while fast for a USB drive, is limited by the USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface, which caps at 10Gbps (~1,250 MB/s theoretical). Even with overhead, it’s operating at the upper limit of its interface. The Samsung, by contrast, leverages PCIe lanes directly, bypassing USB bottlenecks entirely.

However, real-world performance isn’t just about peak speeds. The Crucial X9 1TB Portable excels in consistency and reliability across different devices. Whether you’re plugging it into a MacBook, Android phone, or PlayStation, performance remains stable. The Samsung 990 EVO Plus, while faster, is only as good as the motherboard it’s installed in. Older PCIe 3.0 systems will see reduced speeds, and laptops with limited PCIe lanes may not fully utilize its potential. For most users, the Crucial’s speeds are more than adequate for everyday tasks, while the Samsung is overkill unless you’re pushing the limits of your system.

Portability vs. Permanence: Form Factor and Use Case

This is where the fundamental difference between the two drives becomes clear: portability versus permanence. The Crucial X9 1TB Portable is designed for mobility. Its small size, lightweight build, and ruggedized casing make it perfect for carrying in a bag, using on location, or sharing between devices. You can toss it in your pocket and forget about it—it’s built for the real world.

The Samsung 990 EVO Plus, on the other hand, is an internal drive. It’s meant to be installed once and left in place for years. It’s not designed to be moved, shared, or used across multiple systems without reinstallation. This makes it ideal for a primary boot drive, game library, or media storage in a desktop or laptop. It’s not something you’d carry around or plug into different devices daily.

For users who need both, the ideal setup might be a combination: the Samsung 990 EVO Plus as your internal drive for speed and capacity, and the Crucial X9 1TB Portable as a backup or transfer drive. This gives you the best of both worlds—lightning-fast internal performance and flexible external storage.

Durability and Build Quality

Durability is a clear win for the Crucial X9 1TB Portable. Its IP55 rating means it can handle dust, light rain, and spills. The 7.5 ft drop resistance ensures it survives accidental drops. The Samsung 990 EVO Plus has no such protections—it’s a bare M.2 drive meant for installation inside a case. While it’s built with high-quality components and has excellent thermal management, it’s not designed for physical stress or environmental exposure.

That said, the Samsung 990 EVO Plus is more durable in terms of data integrity and lifespan. With 1,200 TBW and advanced wear leveling, it can handle years of heavy use without degradation. The Crucial, while reliable, is rated for typical consumer workloads and may not be suitable for enterprise-level data logging or continuous video recording.

Compatibility and Ecosystem

The Crucial X9 1TB Portable wins hands-down in compatibility. It works with Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, PlayStation, and Xbox—no drivers, no formatting, no fuss. The Samsung 990 EVO Plus requires a compatible M.2 slot and is limited to PCs and laptops. It won’t work with consoles, phones, or tablets without additional hardware (like an NVMe enclosure).

However, the Samsung 990 EVO Plus integrates better with PC ecosystems. Samsung Magician software provides deep control over performance, health, and security. The Crucial drive, while functional, lacks such advanced management tools.

Value and Price-to-Performance

The Samsung 990 EVO Plus offers better value for performance-focused users. At around $150–$180 for 2TB, it’s competitively priced for its speed and capacity. The Crucial X9 1TB Portable is typically priced around $80–$100 for 1TB, which is fair for a rugged external drive but less competitive on a per-gigabyte basis.

For pure storage efficiency, the Samsung wins. For portability and versatility, the Crucial is worth the premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use the Samsung 990 EVO Plus as an external drive?

A: Not directly. The Samsung 990 EVO Plus is an internal M.2 SSD and requires a compatible motherboard or laptop. However, you can purchase an NVMe USB enclosure (like the Sabrent USB-C to M.2 adapter) to use it externally. This gives you the speed of PCIe with the portability of USB-C. Just keep in mind that the enclosure adds cost and bulk, and you lose the drive’s internal warranty if removed. For a seamless external experience, the Crucial X9 1TB Portable is a better choice. Check the Samsung 990 EVO Plus here to see compatible enclosures.

Q: Is the Crucial X9 1TB Portable compatible with PS5?

A: Yes! The Crucial X9 1TB Portable works perfectly with the PS5 for expanding game storage. Simply plug it into a USB port, format it through the PS5 settings, and you can install and play PS5 and PS4 games directly from the drive. It’s officially supported and delivers smooth performance for gaming. The Samsung 990 EVO Plus cannot be used this way unless installed internally (which requires opening the PS5 and using an M.2 slot). Get the Crucial X9 1TB Portable here for PS5 expansion.

Q: Which drive is better for video editing?

A: For on-the-go editing, the Crucial X9 1TB Portable is excellent. Its 1,050 MB/s speeds are sufficient for 4K proxy editing and file transfers. For professional studio editing with 8K RAW footage, multiple layers, and effects, the Samsung 990 EVO Plus is superior. Its 7,250 MB/s speeds reduce render times and improve responsiveness in apps like Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve. For best results, use the Samsung as your internal drive and the Crucial as a backup.

Q: Can I use both drives together?

A: Absolutely! Many users pair the Samsung 990 EVO Plus as