Samsung 980 PRO 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD

91%

Performance

Thermal Management

Ease of Installation

Value for Money

Durability

Compatibility with Desktops and Laptops

Write Speed

Read Speed

Long-Term Reliability

Customer Support/Warranty

Capacity vs. Usage Needs

Gaming Performance

PC Builder’s Choice

Overview

The Samsung 980 PRO 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD is a high-performance storage solution designed to elevate your computing experience. With its PCIe 4.0 interface, this SSD delivers blazing-fast speeds, reaching up to 7000MB/s in read speeds and 5000MB/s for write operations. The compact M.2 2280 form factor makes it compatible with both desktops and laptops, allowing it to fit into a wide variety of systems. Whether you’re upgrading from an older storage drive or building a new high-performance rig, this high-speed drive will meet your needs.

Features & Benefits

The Samsung 980 PRO offers a next-gen PCIe 4.0 interface that boosts performance significantly over older PCIe 3.0 SSDs. With a 1TB capacity, it’s ideal for storing large files, games, and applications while maintaining fast data access. Samsung’s proprietary V-NAND technology ensures durability and reliability, even under heavy workloads. Additionally, its advanced thermal management keeps the drive cool during extended use, which is essential for maintaining optimal performance in gaming or intensive computing tasks.

Best For

This SSD is best suited for gamers looking to minimize load times and ensure smooth gameplay, as well as content creators who work with large video files or high-resolution images. The 1TB storage provides plenty of room for demanding applications, making it a great choice for PC builders and DIY enthusiasts who need a reliable and fast storage solution. It’s also an excellent upgrade for users moving from slower SATA SSDs or HDDs, providing an immediate and noticeable improvement in performance.

User Feedback

Users consistently rate this SSD highly for its speed and reliability, especially in high-performance setups. The easy installation process is another major plus, as it works seamlessly in both desktops and laptops. Some reviewers note that while its thermal management does an excellent job in typical use cases, the drive can become warm during extended, heavy workloads. However, many still recommend it for high-end gaming builds and professional workstations, where speed and reliability are crucial.

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Pros

Users appreciate the fast read speeds of up to 7000MB/s, greatly improving load times in gaming and media editing.
The M.2 2280 form factor allows for easy installation in both desktops and laptops, making it versatile.
This SSD excels in high-performance scenarios, ideal for gamers and content creators who work with large files.
With built-in thermal management, this drive maintains optimal performance even under heavy loads.
The 1TB capacity provides ample storage for large applications, games, and media files, without sacrificing speed.
Samsung’s V-NAND technology ensures the drive’s durability and long-term reliability, even with constant use.

Cons

Some users have reported that the drive's thermal performance can cause throttling during extended heavy use.
Not everyone with older systems sees a significant performance boost, especially without PCIe 4.0 support.
A few users mentioned the SSD's price point being higher than alternatives with similar capacities and speeds.
While the drive is fast, its durability may not be ideal for extremely rugged conditions or portable use.
Users with limited storage needs might find the 1TB capacity excessive, leading to unnecessary expense.
Compatibility issues have been noted with older motherboards or systems that lack M.2 slots.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user reviews from multiple platforms and languages, we’ve compiled an in-depth overview of the Samsung 980 PRO 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD’s overall performance and user experience. Spam, bot, incentivized, and off-topic reviews were filtered out to ensure a genuine assessment of the product. Both the strengths and areas of improvement are reflected in the ratings, offering a comprehensive picture of what users can expect from this device in real-world usage.

Performance

95%

Users consistently praise the impressive speed of this device, particularly its ability to handle large files and demanding applications with ease. With read speeds up to 7000MB/s, it's ideal for gamers and professionals seeking fast performance in high-intensity tasks like video editing and 3D rendering.

Some users have pointed out that while the speed is top-notch, the performance can degrade under prolonged heavy use. Certain workloads may cause noticeable thermal throttling, impacting sustained performance, especially in non-optimized systems.

Thermal Management

88%

Many users appreciate the advanced thermal management built into this SSD. The heat control features keep the drive cool even under heavy usage, making it suitable for high-performance environments like gaming rigs and workstations where heat could otherwise be an issue.

A few users have reported that under extremely heavy loads, the thermal management could be more effective. While most find it sufficient, some high-demand scenarios still lead to noticeable heating, especially in compact PC builds with limited airflow.

Ease of Installation

90%

Installation is straightforward, and many buyers find the M.2 form factor easy to install in both desktops and laptops. The drive is well-supported by major motherboard manufacturers, making it a convenient option for DIY builders and those upgrading their systems.

While installation is generally easy, some users have mentioned that the physical size of the drive may pose compatibility issues with certain smaller or older laptops. Additionally, users unfamiliar with the M.2 interface may find initial setup slightly confusing without proper guidance.

Value for Money

92%

Buyers agree that this SSD offers excellent value for the performance it delivers. For its speed and capacity, the price is competitive compared to other high-end SSDs. Gamers, creators, and power users appreciate the blend of performance and affordability.

A few users feel that the price, while justified by the speed and reliability, may be a bit steep for casual users who don't need such high-end specs. Those with basic storage needs may find cheaper alternatives more appropriate for their use case.

Durability

89%

The Samsung V-NAND technology provides enhanced durability, ensuring the SSD can handle heavy usage over time. Many users have reported that it continues to perform reliably even after months of continuous use in demanding environments like gaming and content creation.

While the drive is generally reliable, some users have experienced issues with wear over time, particularly when used in systems with poor airflow. The drive may show signs of reduced performance if not properly maintained or used in non-ideal conditions.

Compatibility with Desktops and Laptops

94%

This SSD is compatible with both desktops and laptops, making it a versatile option for users across various platforms. Its M.2 2280 form factor is widely supported by modern devices, which means users don’t have to worry about compatibility with their setups.

A small number of users have noted compatibility issues with older systems or low-profile laptops, especially those without M.2 slots or limited PCIe lanes. For these users, additional adapters or hardware upgrades might be required.

Write Speed

91%

Users consistently highlight the impressive write speeds of this SSD, which can reach up to 5000MB/s. This performance ensures quick file transfers, making it an excellent choice for users who work with large files or perform intensive tasks like video editing and data analysis.

While the write speeds are high, some users have reported that write performance tends to drop under sustained use. In particular, high-volume write tasks can result in throttling, especially if the thermal management system isn't fully optimized.

Read Speed

96%

The read speeds of this SSD, reaching up to 7000MB/s, are highly praised by users. This makes it perfect for tasks that require rapid data retrieval, such as booting up large applications, running games, or accessing media files at incredible speeds.

Some users have noted that while the read speeds are exceptional under typical workloads, they can dip when the drive is near full capacity. This is particularly noticeable when accessing multiple large files at once or during heavy multitasking scenarios.

Long-Term Reliability

87%

Many users report that the SSD maintains its reliability even with prolonged use. It holds up well in both consumer and professional environments, and Samsung's reputation for quality and durability bolsters its long-term value.

However, some long-term users have expressed concerns about wear after extended use in high-write environments. Though generally reliable, the drive can begin to degrade slightly over time, especially when used as the primary storage in intensive workloads.

Customer Support/Warranty

85%

Samsung's warranty and customer support have been well-received by most users. Many appreciate the peace of mind that comes with the manufacturer's reliable service and responsive support channels, especially in the case of potential issues or failure.

A few users have encountered delays when seeking customer support, which can be frustrating when trying to resolve issues quickly. While warranty coverage is solid, some buyers have experienced challenges getting timely replacements or assistance in rare cases.

Capacity vs. Usage Needs

90%

At 1TB, this SSD offers ample storage for both casual and power users. It’s particularly well-suited for gamers and content creators who need enough space for large files and high-resolution media without the constant need for external storage.

For some users with more minimal storage needs, 1TB may feel excessive, especially when paired with a higher price tag. Those using the SSD primarily for lightweight tasks may find 1TB overkill, making smaller and cheaper alternatives more appealing.

Gaming Performance

93%

For gamers, this SSD stands out with its ultra-fast load times and ability to handle demanding game files with ease. It ensures smooth gameplay with quick access to data, reducing in-game lag and load times, making it a top choice for gaming rigs.

A small number of users report that while the performance is excellent, thermal management under extreme gaming conditions could be improved. In certain cases, the drive may throttle slightly during extended gaming sessions, especially in poorly ventilated systems.

PC Builder’s Choice

91%

PC builders often choose this SSD for its high-speed performance, reliable durability, and ease of integration into custom builds. The M.2 2280 form factor fits well into a variety of motherboard slots, and the performance makes it ideal for building high-performance systems.

While generally a great choice for PC builds, some builders have pointed out that it's slightly more expensive than other SSDs with similar capacities. This may be a concern for users on a budget who are trying to balance performance and cost in their builds.

Suitable for:

The Samsung 980 PRO 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD is an ideal choice for gamers, content creators, and PC builders looking for high performance and reliability. With read speeds up to 7000MB/s and write speeds of 5000MB/s, this SSD excels in tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and fast-loading games. It's also well-suited for users upgrading from slower SATA SSDs or hard drives who want to dramatically improve their system's responsiveness. DIY builders and tech enthusiasts will appreciate its compatibility with both desktops and laptops, offering flexibility for various builds and setups.

Not suitable for:

This high-performance SSD may not be the best option for users with basic storage needs or those on a tight budget. While it provides excellent speed and durability, its price point might be overkill for light users who primarily use their computers for web browsing or word processing. Additionally, those working in extremely heat-sensitive environments might find that the thermal management features, while effective, still result in throttling under prolonged heavy use. Users with older laptops or desktops without PCIe 4.0 support may also experience limited performance benefits, reducing the overall value of the product in such cases.

Specifications

Capacity: 1TB storage capacity, providing ample space for large files and applications.
Interface: PCIe 4.0 interface for faster data transfer rates compared to PCIe 3.0.
Form Factor: M.2 2280 form factor, compatible with both desktops and laptops.
Read Speed: Maximum read speed of up to 7000MB/s for rapid data access.
Write Speed: Maximum write speed of up to 5000MB/s for high-speed file transfers.
Storage Type: NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) for enhanced data throughput and reduced latency.
Technology: Uses Samsung V-NAND technology for improved durability and performance.
Thermal Management: Built-in heat control mechanisms to prevent overheating under heavy workloads.
Compatibility: Compatible with both desktops and laptops that support M.2 2280 slots.
Operating System Support: Works with Windows and Linux operating systems for flexible usage.
Endurance: Rated with a TBW (Terabytes Written) value suitable for demanding applications.
Power Consumption: Low power consumption, optimizing energy usage while maintaining performance.
Encryption: Supports AES 256-bit hardware encryption for added data security.
Shock Resistance: Shock-resistant design ensures reliability even in portable or rough environments.
Dimensions: Dimensions of 80mm x 22mm x 2.3mm, fitting standard M.2 2280 slots.
Warranty: Includes a 5-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
Weight: Weighs approximately 8 grams, making it lightweight and easy to install.
Random Read IOPS: Achieves high random read input/output operations per second (IOPS), improving system responsiveness.
Random Write IOPS: High random write IOPS ensures quick write performance, especially in data-intensive applications.

FAQ

This SSD offers ultra-fast read speeds of up to 7000MB/s, reducing game load times and improving overall performance. Its PCIe 4.0 interface allows for better performance compared to older SSDs, making it perfect for high-end gaming setups.

Installing this drive is straightforward for both desktops and laptops with an M.2 2280 slot. Simply insert the SSD into the M.2 slot at a slight angle, then secure it with a screw. No additional software is needed for setup, though your system must support PCIe 4.0 for optimal performance.

The Samsung 980 PRO is compatible with any system that has an M.2 2280 slot, but to fully take advantage of its PCIe 4.0 speeds, your motherboard must support this interface. For systems without PCIe 4.0, the SSD will still work at PCIe 3.0 speeds.

The 980 PRO includes built-in heat control mechanisms, such as a heat spreader and thermal guard, to manage its temperature under load. However, under extremely heavy use, some users have reported thermal throttling, which can slightly reduce performance during long sessions of intensive use.

Yes, this high-speed drive is well-suited for content creators working with large files, such as 4K video editing or 3D rendering. With up to 1TB of capacity and fast write speeds of up to 5000MB/s, it can handle demanding applications and heavy data transfers with ease.

The Samsung 980 PRO stands out with its PCIe 4.0 interface, offering significantly faster speeds compared to PCIe 3.0 SSDs. This makes it a top choice for high-performance tasks such as gaming, video editing, and other resource-intensive applications.

Upgrading to the Samsung 980 PRO will likely offer noticeable performance improvements, especially if you're upgrading from an older SATA SSD or HDD. The increased read/write speeds and PCIe 4.0 interface make it a great choice for users seeking faster data access and smoother overall system performance.

Absolutely. The Samsung 980 PRO is a solid choice for PC builders due to its fast read/write speeds, high capacity, and reliable performance. Its M.2 2280 form factor is standard for modern desktop builds, and the SSD is compatible with both gaming PCs and workstations.

In real-world gaming, the 980 PRO drastically reduces load times, improving game startup and level transitions. It also ensures smooth gameplay, especially in open-world or resource-heavy games, by loading assets quickly from storage.

If your system does not recognize the SSD, make sure that your motherboard has an M.2 2280 slot and supports PCIe 4.0 or PCIe 3.0. Ensure the drive is properly installed and check for any firmware updates for your motherboard that could improve compatibility. If the issue persists, it may be worth testing the drive in another system.