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Samsung 980 vs Samsung 980 PRO Overview
Samsung 980
Samsung steps into new waters with its SSD 980, a TLC NAND-powered NVMe SSD devoid of DRAM. Wondering why this is unique? For Samsung, this is a first-of-its-kind retail product. Many competitors have embraced this blend of TLC and no DRAM. Is it allure? OEMs can boast about an NVMe SSD without the cost of a top-tier drive. Curious about its sibling, the PRO? Let’s dive in.
Samsung 980 PRO
Unveiled at CES in January, the 980 PRO garnered attention as Samsung’s pioneer SSD embracing PCIe 4.0. But what’s the twist? While Samsung had been synonymous with MLC NAND for its PRO lineup, Samsung 980 M.2 SSD vs Samsung 980 PRO SSD specs reveal a transition to TLC NAND. Why the shift? The industry trend leans towards TLC and QLC.
Transitioning from MLC to TLC results in the 980 PRO’s rated endurance halving compared to the 970 PRO. But, on the bright side, it stands toe-to-toe with the 970 EVO and EVO Plus. Does this mean the 980 PRO might be lighter on your wallet than other elite NVMe SSDs? Samsung 980 M.2 SSD vs Samsung 980 PRO SSD specs could give us hints.
Technical Data Comparison
Diving into the intricacies of Samsung 980 M.2 SSD vs Samsung 980 PRO SSD specs, here’s a side-by-side glance:
- Interface/Form Factor:
- Samsung 980: x4 PCIe 3.0/NVMe/M.2 2280
- Samsung 980 Pro: x4 PCIe 3.0/NVMe/M.2 2280
- Storage Sizes:
- Samsung 980: 250 GB, 500 GB, 1 TB
- Samsung 980 Pro: 250 GB, 500 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB
- Sequential Read:
- Samsung 980: 2,900 MB/s to 3,500 MB/s
- Samsung 980 Pro: 6,400 MB/s to 7,000 MB/s
And the list goes on, showcasing varied specifications from Random Write speeds and bus Type to Power Consumption.
But what jumps out? The striking speed difference between the 980 and 980 Pro. With the 980 Pro’s prowess to tap into all four lanes of PCIe 4.0, it boasts read speeds scaling up to a whopping 7 GB/s—meanwhile, the 980 harnesses just four lanes of PCIe 3.0, naturally capping its speed potential.
However, a quick note to remember: the 980 Pro’s zenith speed? Only accessible with a PCIe 4.0 motherboard paired with a compatible CPU. While it can work with PCIe 3.0 motherboards, expect some constraints in line with PCIe 3.0’s limits.
Intrigued about how this might affect your usage? Read on!
Benchmark Score: Samsung 980 1TB vs Samsung 980 Pro 1TB
When diving into the Samsung 980 M.2 SSD vs Samsung 980 PRO SSD specs, benchmarks speak volumes. Let’s uncover the scores:
- Sequential Read:
- Samsung 980 1TB: 1571 MB/s
- Samsung 980 Pro 1TB: 2615 MB/s
- Sequential Write:
- Samsung 980 1TB: 1943 MB/s
- Samsung 980 Pro 1TB: 2913 MB/s
The tale continues, from Random 4KB Write speeds to Game Scene Loading times.
However, what’s the big takeaway? The 980 Pro performs the show, boasting sequential speeds nearly double its PCIe Gen 3 competitors. But don’t get too dazzled. In everyday scenarios, while it surpasses 980, it’s in the range of 46% to 57%.
But wait, there’s a twist. The 980 Pro doesn’t quite hit its marketing promises, especially in the peak 4K random speeds. It only nudges ahead of the 980 by mere percentages. And gamers, a heads-up: loading time differences? A mere 3% gap.
Lastly, on benchmark tests like PCMark 10? The 980 Pro does shine, but the margin? It’s wider than you’d expect.
So, which SSD truly suits you? Keep reading to find out!
The Most Popular Comparisons: Samsung 980 M.2 SSD vs Samsung 980 PRO SSD Specs
Which SSD steals the show between the Samsung 980 and the Samsung 980 PRO? Let’s dive in!
Form Factor and Interface
Diving into the Samsung 980 M.2 SSD vs Samsung 980 PRO SSD specs, both harness PCIe and Samsung’s TLC 3D NAND. Yet, there’s a twist.
- Samsung 980: Uses PCIe 3.0 x4 and sports 128 NAND layers.
- Samsung 980 PRO: Steps up with PCIe 4.0 x4, and some models boast 136 NAND layers.
But wait, before you jump in with the PRO, remember – not all motherboards support PCIe 4.0. Plug the 980 PRO in a PCIe 3.0 slot, and it’ll cruise at 3.0 speeds.
Capacity
When it comes to storage:
- Both SSDs: Start from a nifty 250 GB, stretching up to 1 TB.
- Samsung 980 PRO: Throws in an exclusive 2 TB option with read speeds, leaving its Gen 3 sibling in the dust.
However, the PRO’s performance comes at a price. Choose based on your needs and budget!
Performance
The PRO version speeds ahead, with write speeds that are jaw-droppingly 107% faster! If you’re into heavy-duty tasks, the PRO is your go-to. But for everyday PC tasks? Both SSDs have got you covered.
Reliability and Warranty
Rest easy. Samsung backs both the 980 and the PRO with a solid 5-year warranty. But remember, misuse or unauthorized fixes? They’re off the table.
Price
Here’s the catch: The Samsung 980 PRO’s price tag has dipped by up to 20% for higher storage sizes. And as PCIe Gen 4 SSDs become more wallet-friendly, their Gen 3 counterparts might follow suit.
Final thoughts? The 980 PRO is a beast for power users, while the 980 is perfect for those on a budget or with moderate needs.
Want to see these SSDs in action? Keep reading!
SSD Showdown: Samsung 980 vs. Samsung 980 PRO
Are you contemplating between Samsung’s 980 and its superior sibling, the 980 PRO? Here’s what you need to know.
Price-to-Performance
The Samsung 980 PRO might be a stellar performer, but when it comes to value for the average user – say for web surfing, daily tasks, content crafting, or even gaming – its cost can be a hiccup. There are less expensive PCIe 3.0 SSDs that can still deliver the goods for these tasks.
Overall Value
But the 980 PRO shines here: its striking balance of fast transfer rates and commendable responsiveness across all tasks. It’s not merely about speed but how swiftly it responds in various scenarios.
Decision Time
Deciphering the best between the two isn’t black and white:
- Budget & Basic Needs: The Samsung 980 caters wonderfully to users seeking a budget-friendly NVMe drive without skimping on essential performance.
- High-End & Professional Demands: Enter the Samsung 980 PRO. Yes, it’s pricier, but its top-tier performance justifies the tag. The PRO is your champion if budget isn’t a constraint and you’re all about speed.
A Friendly Reminder
Are you opting for the 980 PRO? Ensure your motherboard supports PCIe 4.0 and has an available PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot. Compatibility is key.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does the 980 Pro stack up against the SN850?
The Samsung 980 Pro edges out the WD Black SN850 in the Gen 4 NVMe SSD competition. Two distinguishing features tilt the balance in favour of the 980 Pro: its more reliable MLC NAND and robust Encryption. On the other hand, the SN850 lacks encryption and employs TLC NAND, which doesn’t quite measure up to the reliability of the 980’s MLC NAND.
2. Can the Samsung 980 Pro be used with the PS5?
Absolutely! If you’re a PS5 enthusiast aiming to bolster your console’s storage, the Samsung SSD 980 PRO PCIe 4.0 NVMe won’t disappoint. Are you looking to double up your PS5 storage? The 980 Pro 1TB is an economical yet efficient option.
3. What’s the verdict on Sabrent SSDs?
The Sabrent Rocket 4 impressively holds its ground in real-world performance tests, even when juxtaposed with industry leaders. Are you hunting for an affordable PCIe 4 SSD or something compatible with your PlayStation 5? The Sabrent might be right up your alley.
Wrapping Up
To summarise, we’ve navigated the nuanced differences between Samsung 980 SSD and Samsung 980 PRO SSD across five aspects. This comparison should now equip you with the clarity to discern which SSD aligns with your needs—got alternative perspectives or insights on the 980 and 980 PRO?
