Samsung 990 PRO Heatsink NVMe M.2 SSD Review

Overview

The Samsung 990 PRO Heatsink NVMe M.2 SSD is a high-performance storage solution designed for PC and console gaming, as well as video editing. It boasts impressive specifications, including a 4TB capacity, PCIe 4.0 interface, and sequential read and write speeds of up to 7,450 MB/s and 6,900 MB/s, respectively. The inclusion of a heatsink is particularly notable for its ability to manage thermal performance, ensuring stable operation during intense usage.

Performance

The 990 PRO leverages Samsung's in-house NAND and controller, which enhances its reliability and performance consistency. In synthetic benchmarks like CrystalDiskMark, the drive consistently reaches speeds close to its advertised limits, demonstrating its capability to handle demanding tasks such as large file transfers and high-speed data processing.

Real-World Applications

In real-world applications, the 990 PRO excels in tasks like video editing and gaming. The AJA Video Systems test shows the drive achieving read and write speeds of 6,090 MB/s and 5,994 MB/s, respectively, which is significantly faster than many other SSDs on the market. However, in gaming benchmarks like 3DMark, the 990 PRO with heatsink sometimes falls behind other SSDs, such as the WD Blue SN5000, due to its high power consumption and potential for thermal throttling.

Power Efficiency and Thermal Control

The inclusion of a heatsink is crucial for managing thermal performance. Samsung's nickel-coated high-end controller ensures effective thermal control, preventing sudden performance drops from overheating. This feature is particularly beneficial for gaming and video editing applications where sustained performance is essential. However, the drive's power efficiency is a mixed bag; while it offers improved performance per watt compared to the 980 PRO, it still consumes more power than some competitors, which can lead to thermal issues in certain environments.

Additional Features

The 990 PRO comes with several additional features that enhance its usability and performance. These include:

• Samsung Magician Software: Provides tools for monitoring and optimizing the drive's performance.
• Low Power Mode: Helps in reducing power consumption, which is beneficial for extending the drive's lifespan.
• Game Mode 2.0: Optimizes the drive for gaming performance, although its effectiveness is debated in real-world applications.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• High Performance: Offers exceptional read and write speeds, making it ideal for demanding tasks.
• Reliable Components: Uses in-house NAND and controller, reducing the risk of hardware swaps and supply issues.
• Thermal Management: The heatsink effectively manages thermal performance, ensuring stable operation.
• Capacity Options: Available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities, catering to various user needs.

Cons:

• High Power Consumption: Can lead to thermal throttling and reduced performance in certain environments.
• Cost: The heatsink model is more expensive than the non-heatsink version, which may not be justified for all users.
• Gaming Performance: While it excels in synthetic benchmarks, its real-world gaming performance is sometimes matched by less expensive options.

Verdict

The Samsung 990 PRO Heatsink NVMe M.2 SSD is a top-tier storage solution for users requiring high performance and reliability. Its exceptional read and write speeds, coupled with effective thermal management, make it suitable for demanding applications like video editing and gaming. However, its high power consumption and cost may deter some users, particularly those who do not need the heatsink or are looking for more affordable options.

Features Table

This table summarizes the key features of the Samsung 990 PRO Heatsink NVMe M.2 SSD, providing a comprehensive overview of its specifications and capabilities.