The Samsung 990 Pro with Heatsink (MZ-V9P2T0CW) 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD promises blistering speeds and reliable performance. Having spent several weeks putting this drive through its paces, I’m ready to share my comprehensive review. This review focuses on the 2TB model, but many of the findings will apply to other capacities as well. Let’s dive in!

The 990 Pro boasts Samsung’s latest in-house controller, designed for optimal performance and power efficiency. The included heatsink is a welcome addition, especially for users concerned about thermal throttling under heavy loads. Key features include the impressive sequential read/write speeds, enhanced random I/O performance compared to its predecessor (the 980 Pro), and the overall robust build quality.

Beyond the speed, the power efficiency is noticeable. While running demanding tasks, the drive remained cool to the touch, a testament to the effectiveness of both the controller and the heatsink. This is particularly important for laptops and smaller form factor systems where thermal management is critical.

I ran a series of benchmarks using CrystalDiskMark and AS SSD Benchmark to test the 990 Pro’s performance. The results consistently exceeded the manufacturer’s specifications, delivering read speeds often surpassing 7,450 MB/s and write speeds close to 6,900 MB/s. Random read and write speeds were equally impressive, confirming the claims of significant improvements over the 980 Pro. In real-world scenarios, this translated to incredibly fast boot times, near-instantaneous application loading, and blazing-fast file transfers. I tested it with large video files (4K footage), numerous smaller files, and games, and the performance remained consistently excellent.

Even during extended periods of continuous write operations, I did not experience any noticeable performance degradation due to thermal throttling – a clear benefit of the integrated heatsink. This consistent performance under pressure is a key selling point.

Pros:

• Exceptional read and write speeds
• Effective heatsink keeps temperatures low
• Excellent random access performance
• Reliable and durable build quality
• Power efficient design

Cons:

• Price point is higher than some competing drives
• The heatsink adds to the overall size, so double check compatibility

The Samsung 990 Pro with Heatsink (MZ-V9P2T0CW) 2TB is a top-tier NVMe SSD that delivers on its promises of exceptional speed and reliability. The inclusion of a heatsink is a smart move, ensuring consistent performance even under heavy workloads. While the price is a consideration, the performance gains and peace of mind it offers make it a worthwhile investment for power users, gamers, and content creators. I wholeheartedly recommend this drive.