The Samsung 990 Pro has quickly become a highly regarded solid-state drive (SSD) for enthusiasts and professionals alike, promising blazing-fast performance. After several weeks of rigorous testing across various workloads, We’ve formed a comprehensive perspective on its utility and strengths and weaknesses. This review aims to provide an objective assessment for those considering an upgrade to a high-performance drive.

Performance: Where the 990 Pro Truly Shines

The 990 Pro consistently delivers impressive speeds. In sequential read and write tests, it routinely surpasses the 7,000 MB/s mark, placing it firmly in the top tier of NVMe SSDs available. This translates to significantly faster data transfer times compared to traditional SATA SSDs or older PCIe generations. For example, copying large video files or transferring datasets between servers is noticeably quicker, reducing downtime and improving overall workflow efficiency.

Gaming performance is another area where the 990 Pro excels. While not a replacement for a dedicated graphics card, it offers a noticeable boost in loading times and responsiveness. Games load faster, and assets stream in more quickly, contributing to a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience. We observed a consistent reduction in stuttering and a more responsive feel during gameplay, particularly in titles with large open worlds.

In real-world scenarios like video editing and content creation, the 990 Pro significantly accelerates processes. Applying effects, rendering timelines, and exporting videos are noticeably faster than on slower storage solutions. The responsiveness of the system as a whole is improved, making multitasking more efficient.

Pros:

  • Exceptional Speed: The 990 Pro offers truly impressive sequential and random read/write speeds, setting a new benchmark for NVMe SSD performance.
  • Excellent Gaming Performance: Faster loading times and improved responsiveness make it an ideal choice for gamers.
  • Reliable Performance under Load: The drive consistently maintains high speeds even during sustained heavy workloads.
  • Samsung’s Reputation: Samsung is a well-respected brand in the storage industry, known for its quality and reliability.
  • Support for PCIe 4.0: Leverages the full potential of PCIe 4.0 for maximum performance.
  • TBW (Terabytes Written): Offers a robust TBW rating, providing peace of mind for heavy users.

Cons:

  • Price Point: The 990 Pro is positioned at the higher end of the NVMe SSD market, making it more expensive than some competing options.
  • Power Consumption: Under sustained heavy workloads, the 990 Pro can consume noticeably more power compared to some other drives. This can be a consideration for laptop users, especially during demanding tasks.
  • Potential for Heat: While the drive has heat spreaders, prolonged use under heavy load can lead to elevated temperatures. A well-ventilated case is recommended.
  • Not a Vastly Better Value than Previous Generations: While a significant performance jump, it doesn’t represent a massive leap from the previous generation (980 Pro) in all scenarios; the speed gains are more noticeable in very demanding tasks.

Conclusion

The Samsung 990 Pro is a top-tier NVMe SSD that delivers exceptional performance for a broad range of applications. It’s a fantastic choice for gamers, content creators, and anyone who demands the fastest possible storage speeds. However, the higher price point and potential for heat should be considered. While it’s not necessarily a drastic improvement over the previous generation for all users, the performance gains are significant enough to warrant a consideration for those seeking the absolute best in speed. It’s a premium drive that justifies its cost for users willing to invest in the highest possible performance.

Topic:

SSD,