SAMSUNG 990 PRO 1TB / SSD M.2 NVME

Samsung 990 Pro SSD Summary

Pros:

• Exceptional Speed: The Samsung 990 Pro consistently receives praise for its incredibly fast read and write speeds, often exceeding 7000 MB/s read and 6000 MB/s write. Users report significantly faster boot times, application loading, and file transfers compared to previous SSD models and HDDs. This speed improvement is particularly noticeable in gaming, video/image editing, and other demanding applications. Multiple users specifically highlight the substantial performance boost compared to the Samsung 980 Pro.
• Easy Installation: Installation is described as straightforward and simple, even for inexperienced users. The drive is easily recognized by both PCs and PS5 consoles.
• High Capacity: The 1TB version, commonly reviewed, provides ample storage for games, applications, and files.
• Compatibility: Compatible with PCs and PS5 consoles (though a heatsink may be recommended for the PS5). Works with PCIe 4.0 and is backward compatible with PCIe 3.0 (though at reduced speeds).
• Reliable Performance: Many reviews mention stable, reliable performance even under heavy load, with no reports of significant performance degradation due to heat. The built-in heat spreader is noted to manage temperature effectively.
• Samsung Magician Software: The included Samsung Magician software allows for monitoring SSD health, performance adjustment, and firmware updates.
• Improved Energy Efficiency: One review notes a 50% improvement in energy efficiency compared to the previous generation.

Cons:

• High Price: The price is frequently criticized as being too high, particularly considering that the performance improvements over previous generations may be less noticeable in everyday use for some users.
• Firmware Issues (Past): While current reviews suggest these issues have been resolved, some older reviews mention initial firmware problems causing PS5 crashes. Users may need to update the firmware.
• Heatsink Not Included (Some Versions): While a heatsink version exists, some versions ship without one, potentially leading to higher operating temperatures, especially in PS5 consoles. A third party heatsink might be necessary in some cases.
• Durability Concerns: Two one-star reviews report premature failure of the 2TB version of the SSD within a short time of purchase, without prior SMART warnings.

Comments:

Several reviews emphasize the suitability of the Samsung 990 Pro for gaming, video/image editing, and other performance-critical applications. The large majority of reviews are positive, praising its speed and ease of use. However, the high price point and reported instances of premature drive failure raise some concerns regarding value and long-term reliability. Buyers should consider these factors alongside the impressive speed and performance capabilities.