The Samsung 990 Pro has encountered previous issues, specifically concerning data overwrite problems. However, the company responded by releasing a firmware fix to tackle this concern. Now, they’ve taken an additional step by introducing a new variant of this SSD that comes equipped with a heatsink. In order to evaluate whether this new version is a worthwhile investment, we conducted thorough testing.
The decision to purchase the Samsung 990 Pro with a heatsink will depend on your specific needs and budget. Consider factors such as your intended usage (gaming PC, external storage, PS5), the importance of speed and performance, and whether you are comfortable with the firmware fix addressing the previous data overwrite issue. Additionally, assess whether the added cost of the heatsink version is justified based on your requirements.
Ultimately, thorough research and consideration of your individual preferences and priorities will help you determine if this SSD is the right choice for you.
Here are the key specifications for the storage drive with a capacity of 4TB:
- Capacity: 4TB
- DRAM Cache: 4GB LPDDR4 (1TB)
- Form Factor: M.2 2280
- Max Sequential Read: 7450 MB/s
- Max Sequential Write: 6900 MB/s
- TBW (Terabytes Written): 2400 TB
- Warranty: 5 years
These specifications provide valuable information about the storage drive’s capacity, cache, form factor, read and write speeds, endurance (TBW), and warranty coverage. It appears to be a high-performance M.2 SSD with a significant capacity and impressive read and write speeds, making it suitable for various data-intensive tasks. The generous 5-year warranty adds to its appeal, ensuring reliability and longevity.
Samsung 990 Pro SSD – Design and Compatibility
When it comes to the design of the Samsung 990 Pro SSD, external appearances may not vary much from standard SSDs. However, the heatsink variant of this SSD introduces some notable changes.
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Externally, the arched design and metal construction of the heatsink version serve a crucial purpose: efficient heat dissipation. Additionally, a red LED indicator lights up when the SSD is in use, adding a touch of flair to this 2280 drive. It’s worth noting that this SSD won’t fit in Steam Deck devices but is well-suited for installation in the PS5’s SSD slot.
Delving into the internal design, the Samsung 990 Pro stands out as a rare single-sided high-capacity SSD. This means it can be safely installed in laptops without concerns about compatibility. However, it’s important to be aware that the arched heatsink may pose clearance issues if your NVMe slots are slightly smaller or have additional coverings or heat spreaders.
Some users may prefer a flatter, slimmer solution that doesn’t interfere with smaller slots. It would be advantageous if Samsung offers the SSD without the heatsink, allowing users to choose their preferred aftermarket cooling solution.
While PCI 5.0 NVMe drives are entering the market, it’s essential to consider your PC’s compatibility, as devices using this new standard are still emerging. Unless you have a cutting-edge PC with a compatible motherboard, sticking with PCI 4.0 for the time being is a practical choice.
Samsung 990 Pro SSD – Turbocharged Performance with Turbowrite 2.0
Samsung’s 990 Pro SSD doesn’t just rely on its sleek design; it packs a punch in terms of performance, thanks to an enhanced version of Turbowrite.
Turbocharged by this innovative technology, the SSD can dynamically allocate up to a whopping 432 GB as an SLC (Single-Level Cell) buffer. This intelligent allocation translates into significantly faster transfer speeds, aligning with the high-performance expectations that come with the Samsung brand. With Turbowrite at its core, the Samsung 990 Pro SSD ensures rapid data handling and an exceptional user experience.
Samsung 990 Pro SSD – Power Efficiency with 8nm Pascal Controller
The Samsung 990 Pro SSD employs an advanced 8nm “Pascal” controller, strategically balancing drive performance and power efficiency. Samsung claims that this controller delivers up to a remarkable 37% improvement in power consumption compared to other 4TB Gen 4 drives, such as those from Sabrent.
In practical terms, our testing demonstrated that the Samsung 990 Pro operates with impressive power efficiency, peaking at approximately 5.5W. This stands in contrast to the 7W power consumption of our 4TB Sabrent Rocket drive. With the 8nm Pascal controller at its core, the Samsung 990 Pro SSD not only maintains high performance but also reduces power demands, contributing to a more energy-efficient computing experience.
Samsung 990 Pro SSD – Impressive Performance and Efficient File Transfer
Our rigorous benchmarking of the Samsung 990 Pro SSD using CrystalDiskMark and 3DMark’s PC storage benchmark showcased its exceptional performance:
- Sequential Read Speed: 7280 MB/s
- Sequential Write Speed: 6791 MB/s
- 3DMark Score: 3678
Throughout our testing, we carefully monitored the drive’s temperature using HWInfo, and it registered around 96 degrees Celsius. Although this temperature might appear high, it remains comfortably within safe operational limits. Notably, the Samsung 990 Pro SSD showcased consistent speeds during file transfers. For instance, moving a sizable 100GB file, like Baldur’s Gate 3, only took 25 seconds, even with numerous smaller files included in the transfer. This highlights the efficiency of the drive, emphasizing that it excels not only in handling large files but also in managing a significant number of files during access.
Is the Samsung 990 Pro SSD Right for You?
If you’re in the market for a high-capacity storage solution with blazing-fast PCIe 4.0 transfer speeds, the Samsung 990 Pro is undoubtedly a top contender. With ample storage space to accommodate even the most demanding needs, including seamless integration with a PS5, it offers an exceptional performance package.
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However, it’s essential to note a couple of considerations. The SSD’s distinctive heatsink design may pose compatibility issues with smaller slots, and its premium price point might be a deterrent for some users.
The Samsung 990 Pro SSD is a powerhouse of storage and performance, but potential buyers should weigh their specific requirements and budget before making a decision.
Verdict
The Samsung 990 Pro stands out as one of the fastest PCI 4.0 NVMe drives we’ve had the pleasure of testing. Its impressive performance extends across various tasks, allowing for lightning-fast file transfers, often taking mere minutes or even seconds. While it undoubtedly ranks among the top choices in the market, it’s essential to consider its competition, particularly Sabrent’s Rocket, which may offer a more budget-friendly alternative.
Given the imminent arrival of PCI 5.0 technology, the 990 Pro represents the pinnacle of what a PCI 4.0 drive can achieve, harnessing the maximum available bandwidth from the slot.
The Samsung 990 Pro SSD is a high-performance storage solution, but potential buyers should also explore other options to ensure they get the best value for their specific needs and budget.
