Samsung 980 Pro vs 990 Pro – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Why Do I Recommend The Samsung 990 Pro? 

• The Samsung 990 Pro features sequential read speeds up to 7,450 MB/s for faster game load times and large file transfers, whereas the Samsung 980 Pro supports sequential read speeds up to 7,000 MB/s.
• Samsung 990 Pro has sequential write speeds up to 6,900 MB/s for quicker media rendering and backup tasks, while the Samsung 980 Pro reaches around 5,100 MB/s.
• It supports up to 1,550,000 random read IOPS for smoother multitasking and high-queue workloads, whereas the Samsung 980 Pro supports up to 1,000,000 random read IOPS.
• The Samsung 990 Pro includes V-NAND V8 TLC technology for lower latency and improved endurance during sustained use, while the Samsung 980 Pro uses V-NAND V6 TLC.
• Samsung 990 Pro comes with NVMe 2.0 protocol support for optimized efficiency and performance tuning in modern platforms, whereas the Samsung 980 Pro relies on the older NVMe 1.3c standard.
• It is available in capacities up to 4 TB for storing larger game libraries and 4K/8K media projects, while the Samsung 980 Pro is limited to a maximum of 2 TB.
• The Samsung 990 Pro features improved power efficiency for extended battery life in laptops and reduced heat generation in desktops, whereas the Samsung 980 Pro consumes more power per watt of performance.
• Samsung 990 Pro includes an RGB heatsink variant designed for PS5 compatibility with enhanced thermal management, while the Samsung 980 Pro provides a non-RGB heatsink version with older thermal control.

Maybe the Samsung 980 Pro price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Samsung 990 Pro. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

What Common Both Can Do?

• PCIe 4.0 Interface: Both SSDs use a PCIe 4.0 x4 connection, providing high-bandwidth performance suitable for gaming, creative workloads, and next-gen applications.
• M.2 2280 Form Factor: Each drive comes in the M.2 2280 size, ensuring broad compatibility with desktops, laptops, and consoles like the PS5.
• TLC V-NAND Flash: Both SSDs use Samsung’s TLC V-NAND technology, delivering a balance of speed, durability, and efficiency for long-term use.
• Onboard DRAM Cache: Each model includes a dedicated DRAM cache, allowing faster access to mapping tables and smoother performance under heavy workloads.
• Read Speeds Above 7 GB/s: Both SSDs achieve sequential read speeds over 7,000 MB/s, enabling near-instant file transfers and reduced game loading times.
• 5-Year Warranty: Each drive comes with a 5-year limited warranty, reflecting Samsung’s reliability standards and long-term durability.
• High Endurance Ratings: Both SSDs are designed with high TBW endurance, making them capable of handling heavy daily use such as 4K video editing or large game installs.
• Encryption & Security: Each model supports AES 256-bit encryption with TCG Opal 2.0 and IEEE 1667, ensuring strong data protection and compliance with security standards.
• Samsung Magician Software: Both drives work with Samsung’s Magician software, enabling users to monitor health, optimize performance, and update firmware easily.
• TRIM & S.M.A.R.T. Support: Each SSD supports TRIM and S.M.A.R.T. features, maintaining efficiency and providing health monitoring over time.
• Heatsink Availability: Both SSDs have optional heatsink versions, ensuring thermal stability under extended workloads and compatibility with compact builds.
• PS5 Compatibility: Each model is compatible with PlayStation 5 in heatsink variants, making them suitable for expanding console storage.
• Thermal Management & ECC: Both SSDs feature thermal throttling protection, dynamic thermal guard, and ECC to maintain data integrity under demanding workloads.
• Operating Environment: Each drive operates within 0°C to 70°C and withstands 1,500G shocks, ensuring durability in different use conditions.
• Performance Audience: Both SSDs target high-performance users, including gamers, creators, and professionals who need fast and reliable PCIe 4.0 storage.