If you are confused and don’t know which one you should choose either Samsung 990 pro or 980 pro then this article is for you. After reading the comparison you will conclude which is better for you according to your requirements.
First, let’s dive into comparing the same 990 Pro Nvme and Samsung 980 Pro Nvme. This comparison will help you choose which you should buy.
Samsung 990 Pro Vs. 980 Pro
Both are top SSDs by Samsung with a speed of more than 7000 Mbps. Following is a brief comparison of both 990 Pro and 980 Pro.
Table
| Feature | Samsung 990 PRO | Samsung 980 PRO |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 1TB | 1TB |
| Hardware Interface | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Sequential Read Speed | Up to 7,450 MB/s | Up to 7,000 MB/s |
| Sequential Write Speed | Up to 6,900 MB/s | Over 5,000 MB/s |
| Random Performance | Random Read (1TB): Up to 1,400K IOPS. Random Write (1TB): Up to 1,550K IOPS | Random Read (1TB): Similar performance. Random Write (1TB): Similar performance |
| Price (1TB) | Around $130 | Around $110 |
| DRAM | 1GB DDR4 | 1GB DDR4 |
| Hardware Differences | 990 PRO uses Samsung’s 8nm Pascal controller. Utilizes newer V7 TLC NAND flash | 980 PRO has an Elpis controller on an 8nm node. V6 TLC solid-state storage |
| Max Capacity | Available in 2TB and 4TB options | Tops out at 2TB |
| Heatsink Option | Available with a heatsink for improved cooling and performance | Also available with a heatsink |
Which one should you buy?
In this case, deciding which one you should buy is a complex task because there is just a $20 difference but a lot of difference in the performance. Therefore we will decide by keeping in view two factors including,
- Price
- Performance
If you are on a low budget then you should buy Samsung 980 pro because it is cheaper than Samsung 990 pro. However, if you can afford$20 more then you can get the Samsung 990 pro which is way better than the 980 pro.
In read speed, there is more than a 400 Mbps difference and in writing speed, there is more than a 1900 Mbps difference. This is the only basic difference in the performance of both SSDs. There is not much difference in build quality or the heat sinks. However, the Samsung 990 Pro is customised up to 2TB.
Compatibility
Both SSDs are Windows and Linux are supported. They are compatible with AMD and Intel PCs and laptops. As they are on PCIe 4.0 and are M.2 NVMe, they can be used in PlayStation 5 for storage extension.
Final Thoughts
As I said earlier, both the price and performance of the Samsung 990 Pro are much better and worthy than the Samsung 980 Pro.
If you are thinking of upgrading your Playstation or PC, then go for the Samsung 990 Pro 2TB variant or you can choose 4TB according to your requirements.
FAQs
Can I use these drives on Linux?
Yes, both the 990 PRO and the 980 PRO are compatible with Linux operating systems.
What is the key difference between the 990 PRO and the 980 PRO?
The primary difference lies in their performance. The 990 PRO offers faster sequential read/write speeds and improved random performance compared to the 980 PRO.
Which one is better for gaming?
Both drives are excellent for gaming, but the 990 PRO’s speed makes it a better choice if you want lightning-fast game loading times.
Does the 990 PRO justify its higher price?
The 990 PRO’s price premium is justified by its superior performance, power efficiency, and larger capacity options.
Can I use these SSDs on my laptop?
Yes, as long as your laptop supports PCIe 4.0 and has an M.2 NVMe slot, you can use either drive.
