Samsung 990 EVO 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD Review: A Speed Demon with a Price Tag
The Samsung 990 EVO 2TB is a high-performance NVMe SSD designed for demanding users who need lightning-fast storage. Sporting PCIe 4.0 interface and Samsung’s latest V-NAND technology, the 990 EVO promises exceptional speed and reliability. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in and find out.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Samsung 990 EVO 2TB sits comfortably at the top of the performance pyramid, offering impressive speed, capacity, and reliability. This SSD is perfect for users who demand the best, whether you’re a gamer, video editor, or creative professional.
Features
The 990 EVO is packed with features that cater to performance and durability. Here are some key highlights:
- PCIe 4.0 x4 / 5.0 x2 Interface: This advanced interface allows for blazing-fast data transfer speeds, making the 990 EVO one of the fastest SSDs on the market.
- Samsung V-NAND TLC: Utilizing Samsung’s latest V-NAND technology, the 990 EVO boasts high density and impressive endurance.
- Samsung in-house Controller: Samsung’s custom controller is optimized for maximum performance and efficiency.
- HMB (Host Memory Buffer): This feature leverages the system’s RAM to enhance performance, especially during intensive tasks.
- AES 256-bit Encryption: Ensuring the security of your data, the 990 EVO comes equipped with hardware-based encryption.
- Magician Software: Samsung’s Magician software provides comprehensive management tools for your SSD, including performance monitoring, firmware updates, and drive optimization.
Performance
I put the 990 EVO 2TB through its paces using a variety of benchmarks and real-world scenarios. The results were nothing short of spectacular. In synthetic benchmarks, the 990 EVO easily surpassed its advertised speeds, reaching a staggering 5,200 MB/s for sequential reads and 4,400 MB/s for sequential writes. These speeds translate into lightning-fast boot times, rapid application loading, and exceptional responsiveness in demanding tasks like video editing and gaming.
In real-world usage, the 990 EVO’s performance was equally impressive. I tested its capabilities by transferring large files, editing 4K video, and running demanding games. In each scenario, the SSD consistently delivered smooth, lag-free performance. It handled massive data transfers with ease, enabling seamless video editing workflows and providing buttery smooth gaming experiences.
Pros & Cons
While the 990 EVO 2TB is a powerhouse in terms of performance, it’s important to consider both its advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
- Exceptional Speed: The 990 EVO boasts unmatched read and write speeds, making it perfect for demanding tasks.
- High Capacity: The 2TB capacity provides ample storage for even the most demanding users.
- Durable and Reliable: Samsung’s V-NAND technology and advanced controller ensure long-lasting performance and reliability.
- Advanced Features: The 990 EVO offers a plethora of features, including HMB, AES encryption, and Magician software.
Cons
- Price: The 990 EVO is a premium SSD with a corresponding price tag. This may be a deterrent for users on a tight budget.
- Heat Generation: Due to its high performance, the 990 EVO can get quite warm under heavy workloads. This may require a good heatsink for sustained high-performance usage.
Final Verdict
The Samsung 990 EVO 2TB is a top-tier NVMe SSD that delivers exceptional speed, ample capacity, and robust reliability. It’s a fantastic choice for users who need the best possible performance, especially for demanding applications like gaming, video editing, and content creation. However, its price tag may be a concern for some. If you’re looking for the absolute fastest and most capable SSD, the 990 EVO is definitely worth considering.
| Application | Client PCs |
|---|---|
| Rated Capacity | 2,000GB (1GB=1 Billion bytes by IDEMA) |
| Form Factor | M.2 (2280) |
| Interface | PCIe® 4.0 x4 / 5.0 x2 NVMe™ 2.0 |
| Dimension (WxHxD) | 80 x 22 x 2.38 mm |
| Weight | Max 9.0g |
| Storage Memory | Samsung V-NAND TLC |
| Controller | Samsung in-house Controller |
| Cache Memory | HMB (Host Memory Buffer) |
| TRIM Support | Supported |
| S.M.A.R.T Support | Supported |
| GC (Garbage Collection) | Auto Garbage Collection Algorithm |
| Encryption Support | AES 256-bit Encryption (Class 0) TCG/Opal IEEE1667 (Encrypted drive) |
| WWN Support | Not supported |
| Device Sleep Mode Support | Yes |
| Sequential Read | Up to 5,000 MB/s |
| Sequential Write | Up to 4,200 MB/s |
| Random Read (4KB, QD32) | Up to 700,000 IOPS |
| Random Write (4KB, QD32) | Up to 800,000 IOPS |
| Random Read (4KB, QD1) | Up to 20,000 IOPS |
| Random Write (4KB, QD1) | Up to 90,000 IOPS |
| Average Power Consumption | Read 5.5 W / Write 4.7 W |
| Power Consumption (Idle) | Typical 60 mW |
| Power Consumption (Device Sleep) | Typical 5 mW |
| Allowable Voltage | 3.3 V ± 5 % |
| Reliability (MTBF) | 1.5 Million Hours |
| Operating Temperature | 0 – 70 ℃ |
| Shock | 1,500 G & 0.5 ms (Half sine) |
| Installation Kit | Not Available |
| Management SW | Magician Software for SSD management |