Samsung PM9B1 256GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD

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85%
91%
Value for Money
88%
Performance for Gaming
85%
Ease of Installation
92%
Read Speed
89%
Write Speed
87%
Compatibility with Laptops & Desktops
84%
Build Quality
65%
Packaging & Accessories
90%
Reliability for Heavy Workloads
82%
Customer Support/Warranty
90%
Boot Time Improvement
80%
Noise & Thermals
More

Overview

The Samsung PM9B1 256GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD offers a compact and efficient storage solution for users looking to boost their laptop or desktop performance. This internal SSD is designed with the popular M.2 2280 form factor, ensuring compatibility with most modern systems. Using PCIe 4.0, it provides significantly faster data transfer speeds than older generations. While it comes in bulk packaging without screws or cables, this is an ideal choice for those upgrading their existing systems. With a 2-year warranty from the manufacturer, it offers peace of mind for reliable performance.

Features & Benefits

This 256GB NVMe drive leverages PCIe Gen 4x4 technology, which results in fast read/write speeds that significantly reduce load times and improve overall system responsiveness. With a maximum sequential read speed of up to 3500 MB/s and write speed of up to 3000 MB/s, it’s perfect for users who demand performance. The compact size allows for easy installation in any M.2 2280 slot, whether in a laptop or desktop, and the 3D NAND flash ensures durability and reliability. This makes it a cost-effective option for upgrading your internal storage without compromising on performance.

Best For

The Samsung PM9B1 256GB SSD is best suited for users seeking to upgrade internal storage without breaking the bank. Gamers and professionals who require fast load times and high-speed data transfer will find it particularly beneficial. It's also ideal for PC builders and laptop owners looking for a reliable and affordable storage solution to expand their device's capabilities. Casual and intermediate users will appreciate the reliable performance and solid upgrade without needing to spend too much on high-end models.

User Feedback

Users generally rate this SSD highly, with a 4.3-star average across 73 reviews. Many appreciate its speed and reliability, especially for everyday computing tasks. However, a few users have pointed out that the lack of screws and cables in the packaging is a downside, requiring extra purchases for a complete setup. Some also experienced compatibility issues with older systems, though these are rare. Overall, this product seems to be a solid option for most users looking for affordable and fast storage upgrades.

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Pros

  • Affordable price for users upgrading to faster storage.
  • Delivers solid read/write speeds up to 3500 MB/s and 3000 MB/s respectively.
  • Compatible with both laptops and desktops that support M.2 slots.
  • Compact M.2 2280 form factor fits in standard slots without taking up much space.
  • Great for boosting system responsiveness and improving boot times.
  • 2-year warranty offers basic peace of mind for buyers on a budget.

Cons

  • Lacks screws and cables, requiring additional purchases to complete installation.
  • May not perform at peak levels for intensive applications like high-end video editing.
  • Not the best option for users with older systems that don’t fully support PCIe Gen 4x4.
  • Some users report compatibility issues with certain older or non-standard systems.
  • No built-in thermal management, which may affect performance under heavy use.
  • Relatively low storage capacity for those needing more than 256GB of space.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user reviews from across the globe, including multiple languages and platforms, the Samsung PM9B1 256GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD has received generally positive feedback. Spam, bot-driven, incentivized, and exaggerated reviews have been filtered out to ensure authentic insights. Both the strengths and pain points highlighted by users are reflected in the scores, offering a comprehensive view of this product’s performance in real-world use cases.

Value for Money
91%
Many users appreciate the affordable price of this SSD, especially considering its solid performance. It provides good value compared to other SSDs in the same category, particularly for those looking to upgrade their system without breaking the bank. The combination of performance and cost makes it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers.
However, some buyers feel that while the price is reasonable, the lack of accessories like screws and cables in the packaging is a downside. For users who don't have spare parts at home, this could lead to additional costs and hassle. Some also expected a bit more in terms of bundled items for the price.
Performance for Gaming
88%
Users report excellent read and write speeds, which significantly improve load times and system responsiveness during gaming. For most casual and intermediate gamers, this drive delivers a noticeable performance boost, allowing games to load faster and reducing lag. The high speed is particularly appreciated in demanding titles.
However, some high-end gamers feel that the performance doesn't quite match the speeds of more premium SSDs. While the gaming experience is solid, enthusiasts looking for extreme performance might find it falls short in certain scenarios, particularly in larger open-world games with extensive data streaming.
Ease of Installation
85%
Installation is straightforward, especially for users familiar with upgrading their PC or laptop. The M.2 2280 form factor ensures compatibility with most modern systems, making setup quick and easy for most users. It’s a simple plug-and-play upgrade for those with the necessary slots.
On the downside, some beginners have found the lack of accessories (like screws and cables) problematic. For those new to upgrading storage, the absence of these basic items means they might need to purchase additional parts separately, which could delay the process.
Read Speed
92%
The read speed of up to 3500 MB/s is impressive for an SSD in this price range, leading to fast system boot-ups and quicker file transfers. Users highlight how smooth their workflow becomes with such quick data access, making it ideal for everyday computing tasks.
While the read speed is great, a few users have reported that it doesn’t consistently maintain its peak speed during prolonged usage. Some users have mentioned slight dips during large file transfers, which can be a concern for more intensive tasks.
Write Speed
89%
With a maximum sequential write speed of up to 3000 MB/s, the SSD provides fast and reliable data writing. Users mention that this speed is sufficient for most daily tasks and content creation, ensuring smooth performance even when writing large files.
A few users felt that the write speed could be faster in certain professional use cases, particularly when working with extremely large datasets or high-performance video editing. The write speed occasionally falls short for those requiring maximum throughput for intensive tasks.
Compatibility with Laptops & Desktops
87%
The SSD is highly compatible with both laptops and desktops that have an M Key slot. It’s a flexible solution for users looking to upgrade their system storage, whether for a gaming rig or a work laptop. The compact size fits well in most standard M.2 slots, ensuring easy integration into existing setups.
On the other hand, some older systems may not support PCIe Gen 4x4, which could prevent users from fully leveraging the SSD’s potential. While compatibility is good, it’s essential to double-check whether your system supports PCIe Gen 4 for optimal performance.
Build Quality
84%
The build quality is solid for a mid-range SSD, and users appreciate the compact design that fits in standard M.2 slots. It doesn’t feel cheap, and it’s clear that the product is built to last, with a good balance between performance and durability.
However, some users report that the lack of a heatsink or thermal management solution can lead to temperature throttling in more demanding tasks. The drive is not as robust in thermal performance as some higher-end models, which can be a limiting factor for extended heavy use.
Packaging & Accessories
65%
35%
The product is well-packaged and secure, with minimal waste. The bulk packaging keeps the cost down, which is appreciated by many budget-conscious buyers. For those who already have spare parts, the lack of extras is not an issue.
A major downside mentioned by several users is the absence of screws and cables. This oversight forces customers to source these items separately, which can be inconvenient and frustrating, especially for those who are upgrading for the first time or lack the necessary tools.
Reliability for Heavy Workloads
90%
The drive has shown to be highly reliable during extended use for gaming, work tasks, and content creation. Users find it performs well under heavy workloads, with minimal lag and consistent speeds. Its solid build and reliable performance make it suitable for most professional and casual uses.
That said, a few users have encountered performance degradation over time, especially during prolonged periods of heavy use. While the SSD generally holds up well, some users mention that it’s not the best for handling extremely demanding tasks over extended periods.
Customer Support/Warranty
82%
18%
The 2-year warranty provides peace of mind for users who might worry about long-term reliability. Samsung’s reputation for customer support is generally positive, with quick response times and helpful assistance in case of issues.
However, some users have mentioned slow response times during peak periods. A few customers also found the warranty process to be less straightforward than expected, especially when dealing with international returns.
Boot Time Improvement
90%
Many users have noticed a significant improvement in boot times after installing this SSD. Windows and other programs load faster, and system responsiveness is much improved. The quick access to data makes for a smoother overall user experience.
A small number of users have reported that the boot time improvement is not as dramatic as they anticipated, particularly when comparing it to other high-end SSDs. Some systems may not benefit as much from the upgrade depending on existing hardware.
Noise & Thermals
80%
20%
The SSD runs quietly under normal use, with little to no noise during daily operations. Users appreciate that it doesn’t contribute to additional system noise, even during extended periods of use. Its thermals are generally fine for standard tasks.
However, a few users have experienced heating issues when using the SSD under heavy load for extended periods. Although the device does not overheat to critical levels, thermal throttling can occur, leading to performance dips during intense usage.

Suitable for:

The Samsung PM9B1 256GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD is ideal for users looking to upgrade their storage without breaking the bank. It's a great option for budget-conscious individuals, such as students or casual gamers, who want to boost their system's performance without investing in a high-end model. Those using laptops or desktops with M.2 slots will find this SSD a good fit, especially if they are seeking faster boot times, improved file transfer speeds, and better overall responsiveness. Additionally, PC builders looking for a cost-effective solution will benefit from its fast read and write speeds, which can handle everyday tasks and moderate workloads efficiently.

Not suitable for:

However, this SSD may not be the best option for power users or professionals who require extreme performance for tasks like high-end video editing, 3D rendering, or other data-intensive applications. The lack of thermal management and the occasional performance dip under heavy workloads could be problematic for users who need consistent peak performance. Additionally, gamers with demanding titles or users with older systems lacking PCIe Gen 4x4 support may find the performance lacking in comparison to more premium SSDs. Finally, those new to upgrading storage should be aware that the absence of screws and cables in the packaging may cause inconvenience, requiring additional purchases to complete the installation.

Specifications

  • Capacity: This SSD offers a total storage capacity of 256GB, providing ample space for system files, applications, and games.
  • Interface: Uses PCIe Gen 4x4 for high-speed data transfer, ensuring fast read and write speeds.
  • Form Factor: The SSD comes in the M.2 2280 form factor, a standard size for modern laptops and desktops.
  • Read Speed: Max sequential read speed of up to 3500 MB/s, offering fast load times and system responsiveness.
  • Write Speed: Max sequential write speed of up to 3000 MB/s for quick file saving and transfers.
  • Flash Type: Built with 3D NAND flash technology, offering enhanced durability and faster data access.
  • Compatibility: Compatible with both laptops and desktops that have an M.2 2280 slot with an M Key.
  • Key Type: The drive uses an M Key interface, which is common for PCIe Gen 4x4 slots.
  • Warranty: This SSD comes with a 2-year manufacturer warranty, covering defects and faults under normal use.
  • Dimensions: The SSD measures 80mm x 22mm x 2.38mm, fitting standard M.2 slots in most systems.
  • Packaging: The product is shipped in bulk packaging without screws or cables, requiring separate purchase if needed.
  • Thermal Management: Designed for efficient heat dissipation, ensuring stable performance even during extended usage.
  • Reliability: Offers reliable performance for everyday tasks, including gaming, work applications, and system booting.
  • Power Consumption: Low power consumption, optimizing battery life in laptops and reducing overall energy usage.
  • Temperature Range: This SSD operates within a typical temperature range suitable for most consumer-grade laptops and desktops.
  • Operating Systems: Compatible with most modern operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS, with full support for PCIe NVMe.
  • Use Case: Ideal for gamers, PC builders, and users looking to upgrade internal storage at a cost-effective price.
  • Security: Supports AES 256-bit hardware encryption, offering secure data protection for sensitive files.

FAQ

The Samsung PM9B1 256GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD is designed to upgrade storage in laptops and desktops. It provides fast data transfer speeds, making it ideal for enhancing system performance, reducing boot times, and speeding up file transfers.

Yes, this SSD is compatible with both laptops and desktops that have an M.2 2280 slot with an M Key. It fits in most modern systems that support PCIe Gen 4x4.

This SSD offers sequential read speeds up to 3500 MB/s and write speeds up to 3000 MB/s. This makes it an excellent choice for quick file transfers and system responsiveness.

No, the Samsung PM9B1 256GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD comes in bulk packaging and does not include screws or cables. You'll need to purchase them separately if your system requires them.

Yes, this SSD is well-suited for gaming. Its fast data transfer rates significantly reduce loading times, helping games run more smoothly, especially in demanding titles or heavy workloads.

To install this SSD, you'll need an M.2 2280 slot in your laptop or desktop. Simply insert the drive into the slot at a 30-degree angle, secure it with a screw (not included), and then format it in your system’s storage settings.

The Samsung PM9B1 256GB SSD requires a system that supports PCIe Gen 4x4. Older computers or systems with only PCIe Gen 3 may still work, but they will not take full advantage of the SSD’s maximum speed potential.

This SSD comes with a 2-year warranty from the manufacturer. This warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship but does not cover physical damage or misuse.

Yes, this SSD is reliable for everyday use, including light gaming, web browsing, and office applications. It uses 3D NAND flash memory, which offers good durability. However, it may not be the best option for environments with extreme temperatures or sustained heavy workloads.

If you require more than 256GB of storage, you might want to consider a higher-capacity SSD. While this model is great for typical users, gamers with large libraries or professionals working with large media files may need a larger capacity SSD for their needs.