Samsung 980 M.2 SSD vs. Samsung 980 Pro SSD: Unveiling the Specs Showdown

In the fast-paced world of solid-state drives (SSDs), Samsung has been a prominent player, consistently pushing the boundaries of storage performance and reliability. Two of their highly regarded M.2 SSDs, the Samsung 980 m.2 SSD Vs Samsung 980 Pro SSD Specs, have been making waves in the market. As users seek ever-faster storage solutions for their computers, the choice between these two options becomes crucial. In this blog, we’ll delve deep into the specifications of these SSDs, dissecting their strengths, weaknesses, and the scenarios in which they shine. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just looking to upgrade your storage, join us as we unravel the Samsung 980 vs. 980 Pro showdown.

Interface and Compatibility

The first battleground for our SSD showdown is the interface and compatibility. The Samsung 980 M.2 SSD operates on the NVMe PCIe 3.0 x4 interface, offering blazing-fast speeds but within the limitations of PCIe 3.0. On the other hand, the Samsung 980 Pro SSD takes a giant leap forward with the NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 interface, capitalizing on the improved data transfer rates of PCIe 4.0 technology. This means that the 980 Pro is backward compatible with PCIe 3.0 slots but fully realizes its potential when paired with a compatible PCIe 4.0 motherboard. If you’re aiming for future-proofing your system, the 980 Pro’s PCIe 4.0 compatibility gives it a distinct edge.

Capacities and Storage Options

The next round in our contest is all about capacities and storage options. Both the Samsung 980 M.2 SSD and the 980 Pro come in a range of capacities, catering to different storage needs. The 980 M.2 SSD offers capacities of 250GB, 500GB, and 1TB, making it suitable for users with moderate storage requirements. Meanwhile, the 980 Pro SSD takes it a step further with options of 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, and a hefty 2TB variant for those who demand copious amounts of storage. If you’re looking to store large media files, run complex applications, or just want more room for future expansion, the 980 Pro’s larger capacity choices have the upper hand.

Speed Demons: Sequential Read and Write Speeds

Now, let’s talk about speed – a critical factor in any SSD showdown. The Samsung 980 M.2 SSD boasts impressive sequential read speeds of up to 3,500 MB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 3,000 MB/s. These speeds are nothing to scoff at and deliver snappy performance for everyday computing tasks and gaming.

On the other side of the ring, the Samsung 980 Pro SSD takes the lead with astonishing sequential read speeds of up to 7,000 MB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 5,000 MB/s. These blazing-fast speeds make it a compelling choice for professionals, gamers, and anyone seeking the utmost in storage performance. If you’re dealing with large files, video editing, or 3D rendering, the 980 Pro’s speed demons will make your tasks fly.

Random Read and Write Speeds: A Deeper Dive

In this round, let’s delve deeper into the random read and write speeds, which are crucial for tasks like multitasking, application loading, and system responsiveness. The Samsung 980 M.2 SSD offers random read speeds of up to 500,000 IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second) and random write speeds of up to 480,000 IOPS. These speeds ensure smooth multitasking and quick application launches.

On the flip side, the Samsung 980 Pro SSD once again takes the lead with outstanding random read and write speeds of up to 1,000,000 IOPS. These speeds are a boon for professionals who work with large datasets and applications that demand rapid data access. The 980 Pro’s superior random speeds offer a noticeable performance boost, especially in resource-intensive workflows.

Endurance: How Much Can They Take?

Endurance, often measured in Terabytes Written (TBW), tells us how much data an SSD can write over its lifetime. The Samsung 980 M.2 SSD offers varying levels of endurance depending on the capacity, with the 250GB version rated for 150 TBW, the 500GB for 300 TBW, and the 1TB for 600 TBW. These endurance ratings are respectable and ensure the SSDs will endure years of regular use.

In comparison, the Samsung 980 Pro SSD provides similarly varied endurance levels. The 250GB model is rated for 150 TBW, the 500GB for 300 TBW, the 1TB for 600 TBW, and the 2TB for an impressive 1,200 TBW. The 980 Pro’s higher endurance, particularly in the 2TB variant, makes it a solid choice for power users and professionals who need a drive that can handle intensive write tasks over an extended period.

Conclusion:

In the showdown between the Samsung 980 M.2 SSD and the Samsung 980 Pro SSD, each drive has its strengths. The 980 M.2 offers reliable performance and affordability, making it an excellent choice for mainstream users. On the other hand, the 980 Pro’s PCIe 4.0 support, exceptional sequential and random speeds, and higher endurance levels make it a powerhouse for professionals and enthusiasts seeking peak performance. Your choice ultimately depends on your budget, performance needs, and future-proofing considerations, but either way, you’ll be getting a Samsung SSD that delivers on quality and reliability.