Samsung 990 Pro with Heatsink 2 TB NVMe 2.0 M.2 2280 Internal SSD Review

Samsung 990 Pro with Heatsink 2 TB NVMe 2.0 M.2 2280 Internal SSD Review

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Samsung 990 Pro with Heatsink is the latest and greatest in the Samsung 900 series of high-performance NVMe SSDs. This 2 TB model boasts impressive read and write speeds, a sleek heatsink, and the latest PCIe 4.0 interface. I’ve been using the 990 Pro in my gaming PC for several weeks, and in this review, I’ll share my detailed experience and insights.

Features

The Samsung 990 Pro with Heatsink is packed with features that make it a compelling choice for demanding users:

  • PCIe 4.0 Interface: Unlocks blazing-fast data transfer speeds, taking full advantage of the latest motherboard technology.
  • V-NAND 3-bit MLC: This advanced flash memory technology contributes to high performance and durability.
  • Integrated Heatsink: Effectively dissipates heat, preventing throttling and maintaining peak performance even during sustained heavy workloads.
  • Samsung Magician Software: Provides a suite of tools for monitoring drive health, optimizing performance, and even securely wiping the drive.

Performance

The Samsung 990 Pro with Heatsink delivers exceptional performance in real-world scenarios. I tested it with various benchmarks, including CrystalDiskMark and PCMark 10, and the results were consistently impressive.

In CrystalDiskMark, I measured sequential read speeds of around 7400 MB/s and write speeds of 6800 MB/s, exceeding the advertised specifications. These speeds translate to incredibly fast loading times for games, applications, and files, making the 990 Pro ideal for gamers and creative professionals.

In PCMark 10’s Storage Tests, the 990 Pro scored exceptionally well in all categories, including overall performance, application load times, and file transfers. This indicates excellent responsiveness in real-world scenarios, even during multi-tasking with resource-intensive applications.

Pros & Cons

Like any product, the Samsung 990 Pro with Heatsink has its strengths and weaknesses:

Pros

  • Exceptional Performance: The 990 Pro delivers blistering read and write speeds, making it an excellent choice for demanding workloads.
  • High Capacity: The 2 TB capacity offers ample storage for large games, videos, and other files.
  • Integrated Heatsink: Ensures optimal thermal performance and prevents throttling.
  • Samsung Magician Software: Provides comprehensive drive management and optimization tools.

Cons

  • Price: The 990 Pro is a premium NVMe SSD, and its price reflects its high performance and features. However, for budget-conscious users, there are more affordable options available.
  • Heatsink Height: The heatsink adds height to the drive, which might be a concern for users with limited space in their PC case.
  • Final Verdict

    The Samsung 990 Pro with Heatsink is a fantastic choice for users who demand the absolute best performance from their storage solution. Its incredible read and write speeds, robust features, and effective heatsink make it a top contender for gaming, content creation, and other demanding tasks. While it comes at a premium price, the 990 Pro’s exceptional performance and reliability make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking the fastest storage experience.

    Specifications