Samsung 970 vs 980 vs 990: In-Depth SSD Comparison

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Samsung’s line of NVMe SSDs, including the 970, 980, and the latest 990, has set benchmarks in the SSD market for their speed, reliability, and cutting-edge technology. Choosing between these models can be tricky, particularly if you’re looking to balance performance, price, and future-proofing. This detailed comparison will break down the differences between the Samsung 970, 980, and 990 SSDs to help you make an informed decision.

Overview of the Samsung NVMe Lineup

Before diving into specifics, let’s briefly summarize each model:

  • Samsung 970 Series (970 EVO/970 PRO): Known for its reliability and high performance, the 970 series is ideal for professional workloads and gaming.
  • Samsung 980 Series (980/980 PRO): Introduced PCIe 4.0 support with the 980 PRO, delivering a significant leap in read/write speeds over the 970 series.
  • Samsung 990 Series (990 PRO): Samsung’s latest flagship SSD, pushing the limits of PCIe 4.0 with even faster speeds and improved efficiency.

Key Specifications Comparison

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the technical specifications for the Samsung 970 EVO Plus, Samsung 980 PRO, and Samsung 990 PRO:

FeatureSamsung 970 EVO PlusSamsung 980 PROSamsung 990 PROInterfacePCIe 3.0 x4, NVMe 1.3PCIe 4.0 x4, NVMe 1.3cPCIe 4.0 x4, NVMe 2.0Form FactorM.2 2280M.2 2280M.2 2280ControllerSamsung PhoenixSamsung ElpisSamsung PascalNAND Flash3D TLC V-NAND3D TLC V-NAND3D TLC V-NANDSequential Read SpeedUp to 3,500 MB/sUp to 7,000 MB/sUp to 7,450 MB/sSequential Write SpeedUp to 3,300 MB/sUp to 5,100 MB/sUp to 6,900 MB/sRandom Read IOPSUp to 600KUp to 1,000KUp to 1,400KRandom Write IOPSUp to 550KUp to 1,000KUp to 1,550KPower EfficiencyStandardImproved over 970Much improved (50% better than 980)Capacity Options250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB1TB, 2TBWarranty5 Years or 600 TBW (1TB model)5 Years or 600 TBW (1TB model)5 Years or 1,200 TBW (1TB model)Export as CSV

Performance Comparison

1. Sequential Read/Write Speeds

  • The 970 EVO Plus, using PCIe 3.0, delivers fast speeds of up to 3,500 MB/s (read) and 3,300 MB/s (write), but it’s limited by the older PCIe 3.0 interface.
  • The 980 PRO, with PCIe 4.0 support, doubles these speeds, reaching up to 7,000 MB/s (read) and 5,100 MB/s (write), making it an ideal choice for gamers and professionals with PCIe 4.0-compatible systems.
  • The 990 PRO takes PCIe 4.0 to its limits, achieving up to 7,450 MB/s (read) and 6,900 MB/s (write), making it the fastest PCIe 4.0 SSD to date.

2. Random Read/Write IOPS

  • The 970 EVO Plus offers respectable IOPS for PCIe 3.0, but it lags behind the newer models.
  • The 980 PRO provides a significant boost in random read/write IOPS, making it faster for multitasking and handling large workloads.
  • The 990 PRO leads the pack with up to 1,400K random read IOPS and 1,550K random write IOPS, making it ideal for demanding workloads like 3D rendering and video editing.

3. Power Efficiency

  • The 970 EVO Plus consumes more power compared to the newer models.
  • The 980 PRO introduced better power efficiency, thanks to its Elpis controller.
  • The 990 PRO improves efficiency even further, offering up to 50% better performance-per-watt compared to the 980 PRO, making it a great choice for energy-conscious users.

Use Cases

Samsung 970 EVO Plus

  • Best for: Users with older systems limited to PCIe 3.0, budget-conscious gamers, and everyday users.
  • Why choose it: Reliable performance at an affordable price for those who don’t need PCIe 4.0 speeds.

Samsung 980 PRO

  • Best for: High-performance gaming, content creation, and professional workloads on PCIe 4.0 systems.
  • Why choose it: A balanced mix of performance, reliability, and value for users with PCIe 4.0-compatible systems.

Samsung 990 PRO

  • Best for: Power users, professionals, and gamers who demand the fastest PCIe 4.0 performance.
  • Why choose it: Industry-leading speeds, exceptional efficiency, and future-proofing for demanding tasks.

Price Comparison

As of now, here’s an approximate price range for the SSDs (prices may vary depending on retailers and sales):

  • Samsung 970 EVO Plus: $50–$200 (depending on capacity)
  • Samsung 980 PRO: $90–$250 (depending on capacity)
  • Samsung 990 PRO: $150–$350 (depending on capacity)

While the 970 EVO Plus is the most budget-friendly option, the 980 PRO and 990 PRO provide better value for users with PCIe 4.0 systems.

Conclusion: Which SSD Should You Choose?

The best choice depends on your specific needs and system compatibility:

  • Choose the 970 EVO Plus if you’re on a budget or have a system limited to PCIe 3.0. It offers reliable performance at an affordable price.
  • Choose the 980 PRO if you have a PCIe 4.0-compatible system and want high performance for gaming, multitasking, and professional workloads.
  • Choose the 990 PRO if you want the absolute best performance and efficiency PCIe 4.0 can offer, especially for demanding tasks like content creation, 3D rendering, or high-end gaming.

In summary, the 970 EVO Plus is a great budget option, the 980 PRO offers excellent performance for PCIe 4.0 systems, and the 990 PRO is the ultimate SSD for those who want cutting-edge speeds and efficiency.

FAQs About Samsung 970 vs 980 vs 990 SSDs

Here are ten frequently asked questions regarding the Samsung 970, 980, and 990 SSDs:

1. What are the main differences between the Samsung 970, 980, and 990 SSDs?

The main differences lie in their interface, performance, and technology. The 970 uses PCIe 3.0, while the 980 and 990 utilize PCIe 4.0, offering significantly higher read/write speeds and improved efficiency.

2. Which SSD is best for gaming?

The Samsung 980 PRO and 990 PRO are ideal for gaming due to their high speeds and low latency, making them suitable for demanding gaming applications. The 970 EVO Plus is also good but may not match the performance of the newer models.

3. Is the Samsung 970 EVO Plus still a good option?

Yes, the 970 EVO Plus is still a solid choice for users with PCIe 3.0 systems or those on a budget. It offers reliable performance for everyday tasks and gaming, though it lacks the speed of the newer models.

4. What is the maximum storage capacity for each model?

The Samsung 970 EVO Plus is available in capacities up to 2TB, the 980 PRO offers up to 2TB, and the 990 PRO also provides options up to 2TB.

5. How do the warranties compare?

All three models typically come with a 5-year warranty, but the 990 PRO offers a higher endurance rating, with up to 1,200 TBW for the 1TB model compared to 600 TBW for the 970 and 980 models.

6. Can I use these SSDs in a laptop?

Yes, all three SSDs are M.2 2280 form factor drives and can be used in compatible laptops that support NVMe SSDs.

7. Do I need a heatsink for these SSDs?

While not strictly necessary, using a heatsink can help maintain optimal temperatures, especially for the 980 PRO and 990 PRO during heavy workloads or gaming sessions.

8. What type of NAND technology do these SSDs use?

All three models utilize 3D TLC V-NAND technology, which enhances performance and endurance compared to traditional NAND.

9. How do I choose the right SSD for my needs?

Consider your system compatibility (PCIe 3.0 vs. PCIe 4.0), your performance requirements (gaming, content creation, etc.), and your budget. The 970 EVO Plus is great for budget users, while the 980 PRO and 990 PRO are better for high-performance needs.

10. Are there significant price differences among these models?

Yes, the 970 EVO Plus is generally the most affordable, while the 980 PRO and 990 PRO are priced higher due to their advanced technology and performance capabilities.