If you’re looking for a high-performance NVMe SSD, the Samsung 990 Pro should definitely be on your radar. Samsung has a solid track record when it comes to storage, and this drive pushes PCIe 4.0 to its limits. But is it worth the price? Let’s break it down.
Performance That Packs a Punch
The 990 Pro offers crazy fast speeds, with sequential read speeds up to 7,450 MB/s and write speeds reaching 6,900 MB/s. If you’re into gaming, video editing, or any task that demands high-speed data transfer, this SSD will not disappoint.
But here’s the thing—while it dominates in general performance, some gaming benchmarks show that it’s not the absolute fastest for loading games. Competing drives like the SK Hynix Platinum P41 and WD Black SN850X sometimes score higher in game-related tests. That said, real-world performance differences are minimal, and unless you’re nitpicking milliseconds, the 990 Pro still offers one of the best storage experiences out there.
What Makes the Samsung 990 Pro Special?
Samsung 990 Pro competes with other high-end SSDs, but here’s what makes it stand out:
- Power Efficiency – Samsung claims it’s 50% more power-efficient than the 980 Pro, reducing heat and extending battery life for laptops and PS5.
- Custom NAND & Controller – Unlike competitors using third-party controllers (like Phison), the Samsung Pascal controller and V-NAND Gen 7 optimize performance and durability.
- Insane Random Read & Write Performance – Beats competitors like WD Black SN850X and SK Hynix Platinum P41 in random performance, making daily tasks (booting, multitasking) noticeably faster.
- Integrated Heatsink with RGB (Optional) – The built-in heatsink isn’t just for looks; it actively improves cooling, especially useful for PS5 or compact builds.
- Samsung Magician Software & Long-Term Support – Samsung’s firmware updates & Magician software provide performance tuning, thermal monitoring, and health checks—something many SSDs lack.
- AI-Powered Optimization – Uses AI-based algorithms to optimize workload handling, ensuring consistent high performance over time.
- Advanced Thermal Control – Features Dynamic Thermal Guard, which adjusts power consumption to prevent overheating and performance drops.
- Smart Data Encryption & Security – Supports AES 256-bit encryption and TCG Opal 2.0, making it a secure option for professional use.
- Optimized for DirectStorage – Fully compatible with Microsoft DirectStorage, reducing game loading times and enhancing next-gen gaming experiences.
- Durability & Longevity – The V-NAND Gen 7 technology ensures higher endurance and lifespan compared to many other SSDs.
PCIe 4.0 vs PCIe 5.0 – Is the 990 Pro Still Relevant?
The Samsung 990 Pro is a PCIe 4.0 SSD, while newer PCIe 5.0 SSDs are starting to enter the market. However, here’s why the 990 Pro is still a great choice:
- PCIe 5.0 SSDs Run Hot – Most PCIe 5.0 SSDs require massive heatsinks due to high power consumption and heat generation.
- Price-to-Performance Ratio – PCIe 5.0 drives offer faster speeds but at a much higher cost. Unless you have a cutting-edge system that fully supports PCIe 5.0, the real-world benefits are minimal.
- Better Efficiency – The 990 Pro remains one of the most efficient SSDs, making it great for laptops, desktops, and PlayStation 5.
- Gaming Performance Remains Top-Tier – Even with PCIe 5.0 SSDs around, the difference in gaming load times is negligible, making the 990 Pro still a top choice for gamers.
Release Year
The Samsung 990 Pro was officially launched in October 2022, making it a relatively new addition to the high-end SSD market. Despite being a PCIe 4.0 SSD in an era where PCIe 5.0 is emerging, its combination of speed, efficiency, and reliability still makes it one of the top choices for enthusiasts and professionals.
Compatible PCs, Laptops & Motherboards
Samsung 990 Pro works with any PC or laptop that supports PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs. It’s backward compatible with PCIe 3.0, but you’ll lose out on the maximum speeds.
Supported PCs & Laptops
- Gaming & High-Performance Laptops (2021 & newer) – Many gaming laptops like Razer Blade 15, ASUS ROG Strix, MSI Stealth, and Alienware x17 support PCIe 4.0 SSDs.
- Ultrabooks & Productivity Laptops – Some premium ultrabooks like Dell XPS 15 (2022+), HP Spectre x360 (2022+), and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 support PCIe 4.0 SSDs.
- Desktops with AMD Ryzen 3000+ (Zen 2) or Intel 11th Gen+ CPUs – These processors and motherboards support PCIe 4.0 natively.
- Motherboards from 2020 onwards – Popular PCIe 4.0 motherboards include:
- AMD X570, B550, and newer (e.g., ASUS ROG Strix X570-E, MSI B550 Tomahawk)
- Intel Z590, Z690, Z790, and newer (e.g., Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Master, ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero)
- PlayStation 5 – The SSD fits perfectly into the PS5 expansion slot and meets Sony’s speed requirements.
Since PCIe 5.0 is still expensive and not fully utilized, PCIe 4.0 SSDs like the Samsung 990 Pro remain one of the best choices for gaming, productivity, and future-proofing.
Is It Worth the Price?
Pricing is competitive, especially considering Samsung’s reliability and reputation. The 2TB version hovers around $150, which is solid for a high-end PCIe 4.0 SSD. Sure, you can find cheaper options, but Samsung’s firmware, durability, and long-term support make it a strong investment.
Final Verdict
If you need a blazing-fast, reliable NVMe SSD, the Samsung 990 Pro is an excellent choice. It’s not necessarily the best for gaming benchmarks, but in real-world usage, the differences are barely noticeable. Whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or power user, this SSD will deliver top-tier performance with excellent efficiency.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just make sure you get the right version depending on whether you need a heatsink or not!
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