Samsung 970 EVO Plus 250GB SSD

89%

Overall Performance

Read Speed

Write Speed

Thermal Management

Ease of Installation

Software Experience (Samsung Magician)

Capacity for Gaming

Compatibility with Desktops

Durability

Value for Money

User Support

Reliability

Heat Under Load

Overview

The Samsung 970 EVO Plus 250GB SSD is a high-performance NVMe solid-state drive designed to deliver exceptional speed and efficiency. With a compact M.2 2280 form factor, this internal storage solution is perfect for users looking to upgrade their systems. It boasts impressive sequential read speeds of up to 3,500MB/s and write speeds up to 3,300MB/s. Utilizing Samsung's innovative V-NAND technology, this drive also offers improved power efficiency, making it a reliable choice for demanding applications. Powerful performance combined with a streamlined design ensures that this SSD stands out among its competitors.

Features & Benefits

This Samsung SSD is equipped with rapid data transfer speeds that significantly enhance overall system performance, especially during high-demand tasks like gaming or video editing. The inclusion of Samsung’s Dynamic Thermal Guard ensures the drive remains cool under load, preventing performance throttling. Furthermore, users can manage their files and monitor drive health with the included Samsung Magician Software. The M.2 (2280) form factor ensures compatibility with most desktops, making it an excellent choice for upgrade enthusiasts looking to boost their computer's storage performance.

Best For

The Samsung 970 EVO Plus 250GB SSD is ideal for gamers seeking quick load times and smooth performance, especially in graphically demanding games. It also suits content creators working with large files such as video or 3D rendering, where speed is essential. Those upgrading from older SATA SSDs will notice a substantial boost in data access speed, especially in multitasking scenarios. Additionally, PC enthusiasts looking for a reliable and high-performance drive for system enhancements will appreciate its advanced features and ease of integration into desktops.

User Feedback

Users have consistently praised this SSD for its impressive speed and reliability, with many reporting a noticeable improvement in system responsiveness. The 4.8/5 stars rating reflects its strong performance across a variety of use cases. Some users have raised concerns about the drive’s temperature under heavy load, but the Dynamic Thermal Guard feature helps mitigate this issue. Additionally, a few reviewers mention that it’s not as cheap as other options, but the boost in performance and reliability more than justifies the cost for most users.

#Internal Solid State Drives

#Data Storage

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Pros

Users appreciate the fast sequential read/write speeds, enhancing system performance during gaming and intensive tasks.
Ideal for those upgrading from older HDDs or SATA SSDs, providing a noticeable boost in loading times.
The Dynamic Thermal Guard effectively manages temperature, preventing overheating during heavy usage.
Compact M.2 2280 form factor makes it easy to install in most desktop setups, even in tight spaces.
With Samsung Magician Software, file management and drive monitoring become seamless and user-friendly.
Gamers report significantly improved load times and smoother in-game performance, especially in open-world games.

Cons

The 250GB capacity may be limiting for users who need to store large game libraries or extensive media files.
Some users note the SSD heats up under heavy load, despite the presence of the Dynamic Thermal Guard feature.
While the speed is impressive, the cost per gigabyte is higher compared to some other storage solutions.
Not suitable for users with systems that don't support M.2 (2280) slots or NVMe interfaces.
It may not be ideal for those looking for a high-capacity SSD for long-term storage of large files.
Users working with extremely large video files or high-resolution media might find the storage insufficient.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user feedback from multiple platforms and languages worldwide, the Samsung 970 EVO Plus 250GB SSD has earned solid ratings for its performance and reliability. Reviews were carefully filtered to remove spam, bot, and incentivized content, ensuring only genuine, high-quality insights contributed to these scores. Both strengths and minor concerns are reflected in the ratings, providing a balanced view of this product's real-world performance.

Overall Performance

95%

Users consistently highlight the remarkable speed and responsiveness of this SSD, making it an excellent choice for both gaming and professional use. Many users report an immediate and noticeable boost in their system's overall performance, especially when transitioning from older hard drives.

A few users have pointed out that while performance is exceptional, the drive can still feel a bit underwhelming for users who need storage-intensive tasks like 4K video editing, where larger capacities or even faster options might be more beneficial.

Read Speed

98%

The read speed is one of the standout features, with many users noting impressive load times for games and applications. The 3,500MB/s sequential read speed truly enhances overall system responsiveness, making large file transfers and boot-up times significantly faster.

Some users in high-performance setups have noted that the read speed, while fast, can be slightly bottlenecked by the other components in the system, such as the CPU or motherboard, particularly when paired with older hardware.

Write Speed

94%

The write speed is highly praised by those who work with large files, such as content creators and gamers. Many find the 3,300MB/s sequential write speed to be more than adequate for gaming, video editing, and other data-intensive tasks, making it ideal for daily productivity.

A small group of users have mentioned that the write speed performance slightly drops during sustained, heavy write tasks, such as large backups or continuous video recording, although this is typical for many SSDs in this price range.

Thermal Management

82%

18%

Several users appreciate the inclusion of Dynamic Thermal Guard, which helps keep the drive's temperature under control during demanding tasks. For most users, this feature ensures stable performance without overheating, even during extended gaming sessions.

However, some buyers have expressed concerns about the drive heating up under heavy workloads or prolonged use. In some cases, additional cooling may be necessary for optimal performance, especially in compact or poorly ventilated setups.

Ease of Installation

89%

Installing this SSD is straightforward, with many users reporting a hassle-free setup. The M.2 2280 form factor is compatible with most desktops, and the process of mounting it and getting it recognized by the system is quick and intuitive.

A few users have noted that the installation process can be tricky if they are unfamiliar with M.2 drives or don’t have the appropriate tools. Additionally, those upgrading from SATA SSDs might need to spend some time learning how to properly format and migrate data.

Software Experience (Samsung Magician)

87%

The Samsung Magician software is often mentioned as a valuable tool for managing the SSD. Users appreciate the ease with which they can monitor the drive’s health, optimize performance, and update firmware without much technical knowledge required.

While most find the software helpful, a few users have encountered occasional glitches with the interface or updates not installing correctly. These issues are relatively rare but can be frustrating for those who rely on the software for advanced features.

Capacity for Gaming

91%

This SSD is widely regarded as a great option for gamers, with users praising its ability to dramatically reduce load times and provide smoother gameplay. The 250GB capacity is sufficient for many users who primarily play a few large games and store essential software.

However, some gamers find that 250GB can be limiting, especially with modern AAA titles often requiring upwards of 50GB per game. These users may prefer larger capacities for a more expansive game library without needing to manage constant re-installation.

Compatibility with Desktops

93%

Users appreciate that this drive is compatible with a wide range of desktops, making it easy to upgrade older systems without worrying about compatibility issues. The M.2 form factor fits well in most modern motherboards, ensuring that installation is smooth for most users.

For users with older desktop systems or those without an M.2 slot, compatibility may be a challenge. Some buyers have had to purchase additional adapters or check if their motherboard supports PCIe Gen 3.0 x4, which can add to the overall cost of upgrading.

Durability

90%

The durability of this SSD is generally well-regarded, with many users reporting no issues with reliability even after extensive use. The drive’s use of Samsung’s V-NAND technology ensures a longer lifespan, which is appreciated by users relying on it for everyday computing or gaming.

A few users, particularly those in more demanding environments, have noted that after a long period of heavy use, the drive’s lifespan may not be as extensive as other higher-end SSDs, particularly in professional workloads involving constant read/write cycles.

Value for Money

92%

Many users consider this SSD a solid investment, offering impressive performance for its price. The combination of fast speeds, ease of installation, and reliable software support makes it a great value, especially for those upgrading from HDDs or SATA SSDs.

While most users find the price reasonable for the performance, some feel that they could get more capacity for a similar price with other brands. Those needing larger storage capacities may find the 250GB limit a drawback in terms of overall value.

User Support

80%

20%

Samsung’s customer support is generally seen as responsive and helpful, with users mentioning that they quickly resolve issues when contacted. Many also appreciate the detailed FAQs and support materials available on the website for troubleshooting.

However, a few users have had negative experiences with support, mentioning slow response times or lack of resolution for more complex issues. For some, it takes multiple follow-ups to get the necessary assistance.

Reliability

96%

This SSD receives very high marks for its reliability, with users noting that it consistently performs well over time. Even after prolonged use, many find that it remains stable and efficient, with minimal wear or performance degradation.

A small number of users have reported occasional issues with the drive failing after extensive use, although these instances are rare and may be linked to specific hardware incompatibilities or defective units.

Heat Under Load

75%

25%

Users generally appreciate the Dynamic Thermal Guard feature, which helps mitigate heat buildup during intense use. For most users, this ensures stable performance during long gaming sessions or large file transfers.

However, some users have mentioned that the drive still gets hot under sustained load, especially during heavy tasks like 4K video rendering or gaming at high settings. Additional cooling solutions may be needed for peak performance.

Suitable for:

The Samsung 970 EVO Plus 250GB SSD is ideal for gamers, content creators, and power users who require fast, reliable performance. Its impressive read and write speeds make it a great choice for those looking to upgrade from slower HDDs or SATA SSDs, as it significantly reduces load times and boosts system responsiveness. Gamers will benefit from quicker game loading and smoother in-game experiences, while video editors and designers can handle large files with ease. This SSD is also a great option for PC enthusiasts seeking to improve their system’s overall speed and efficiency with minimal setup hassle.

Not suitable for:

However, this SSD may not be the best fit for users who need larger storage capacities or those working with extremely large files regularly. With only 250GB of space, those looking to store extensive game libraries or large media collections may find the capacity limiting. Additionally, while the Dynamic Thermal Guard helps with temperature management, some users have noted that the drive can get hot under heavy workloads, which may be an issue for those running intensive applications for extended periods. Users with older desktops or those without M.2 slots will also face compatibility challenges without additional hardware.

Specifications

Capacity: The SSD has a storage capacity of 250GB, suitable for system performance and moderate storage needs.
Form Factor: The drive uses the compact M.2 (2280) form factor, designed to fit into most desktops with M.2 slots.
Interface: It utilizes the NVMe PCIe Gen 3.0 x4 interface for fast data transfer speeds and improved performance.
Sequential Read Speed: The drive can achieve sequential read speeds of up to 3,500MB/s, significantly reducing load times.
Sequential Write Speed: Sequential write speeds reach up to 3,300MB/s, ensuring fast data write operations for demanding applications.
Random Read Speed: Random read speed is up to 600,000 IOPS, enhancing performance in tasks requiring frequent access to small files.
Random Write Speed: Random write speed reaches up to 550,000 IOPS, providing efficient performance in high-demand environments.
Thermal Management: The Dynamic Thermal Guard feature helps maintain optimal operating temperatures to prevent overheating under load.
V-NAND Technology: Samsung's V-NAND technology provides improved efficiency, durability, and performance compared to traditional NAND designs.
Software Support: The SSD is compatible with Samsung Magician Software for drive management, including firmware updates and health monitoring.
Compatibility: This drive is compatible with desktop PCs that have an M.2 PCIe Gen 3.0 x4 slot for NVMe drives.
Endurance: The drive offers high endurance, with a rating of up to 150 TBW (Terabytes Written) for long-term reliability.
Power Consumption: The SSD is designed for low power consumption, enhancing energy efficiency during both idle and active states.
Operating Temperature: The operational temperature range for the SSD is between 0°C to 70°C, ensuring stable performance in typical environments.
Storage Expansion: It supports up to 250GB of storage, which is ideal for users with moderate storage needs, though larger capacities may be more suitable for heavy users.
Warranty: The Samsung 970 EVO Plus 250GB SSD comes with a 5-year limited warranty, offering peace of mind against defects.
Security: It supports AES 256-bit hardware encryption, providing secure data protection for sensitive files.
Operating Systems: The SSD is compatible with Windows and Linux operating systems, offering broad usability for most desktop setups.

FAQ

The Samsung 970 EVO Plus 250GB SSD is a high-performance NVMe storage drive designed for internal installation in desktop PCs. It offers sequential read speeds of up to 3,500MB/s and write speeds up to 3,300MB/s, using Samsung's V-NAND technology for better power efficiency and reliability.

To install this SSD, make sure your desktop has an available M.2 slot that supports NVMe drives. Simply insert the drive into the M.2 (2280) slot and secure it with a screw. No additional cables are required for data transfer, as the NVMe interface handles both power and data transmission.

This SSD requires a desktop or laptop with an M.2 PCIe Gen 3.0 x4 slot. Ensure your motherboard supports NVMe drives for maximum performance. It’s compatible with most modern desktop systems, but check your device specifications before purchase.

The Samsung 970 EVO Plus significantly outperforms SATA SSDs. It offers much faster data transfer speeds, reaching up to 3,500MB/s for sequential read and 3,300MB/s for write operations, which results in quicker load times and better overall system responsiveness.

Some users have reported heat concerns during intensive workloads, but the Samsung 970 EVO Plus comes equipped with Dynamic Thermal Guard, which helps maintain safe operating temperatures by adjusting performance when necessary to prevent overheating.

Yes, this SSD is excellent for gaming. The fast read/write speeds make it ideal for reducing load times in modern games, especially open-world titles with large textures and assets. Gamers upgrading from an HDD or SATA SSD will experience a noticeable improvement in performance.

The Samsung 970 EVO Plus is highly rated for reliability, with many users reporting it performs well over time. Samsung’s V-NAND technology enhances durability, and the SSD is backed by a 5-year warranty, further ensuring long-term dependability.

With 250GB of storage, this SSD is suitable for users who need fast performance for their operating system, applications, and a few games or media files. However, if you need to store large video files or an extensive game library, you might want to consider a larger capacity.

The SSD is compatible with desktops and laptops that support M.2 PCIe Gen 3.0 x4 slots. Older machines or those that only support SATA-based M.2 or older PCIe interfaces may not be compatible. Always check your device’s specifications before purchasing.

The SSD comes with Samsung Magician Software, which allows you to manage drive performance, monitor its health, update firmware, and secure data. It's a helpful tool for ensuring your drive stays in optimal condition over time.