When it comes to high-performance storage, Samsung consistently leads the way, offering some of the best solid-state drives (SSDs) on the market. Two of Samsung’s most popular SSD models are the 980 Pro and the 970 Evo, each bringing unique features, speed, and performance to the table. If you’re looking to upgrade your computer’s storage, deciding between these two powerhouses can be challenging. This guide will help you understand the differences between the Samsung 980 Pro and the Samsung 970 Evo, diving into their key features, pros and cons, and best use cases to ensure you make the right choice for your needs.
Why Choose an NVMe SSD?
First, let’s talk about what makes NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) SSDs so special. Unlike traditional SATA drives, NVMe SSDs use the PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) interface, which allows for significantly faster data transfer speeds. This speed is critical for tasks like gaming, video editing, and data-intensive applications where every second counts. The Samsung 980 Pro and 970 Evo are both NVMe drives, but they differ in interface generation, with the 980 Pro supporting PCIe 4.0 and the 970 Evo using PCIe 3.0. This difference alone impacts speed, performance, and ultimately, which drive might be the better choice for you.
Quick Comparison: Samsung 980 Pro vs. 970 Evo
| Feature | Samsung 980 Pro | Samsung 970 Evo |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe Gen 4.0 x4, NVMe 1.3c | PCIe Gen 3.0 x4, NVMe 1.3 |
| Sequential Read Speed | Up to 7,000 MB/s | Up to 3,500 MB/s |
| Sequential Write Speed | Up to 5,000 MB/s | Up to 2,500 MB/s |
| Available Capacities | 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB | 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| NAND Type | Samsung V-NAND 3-bit MLC | Samsung V-NAND 3-bit MLC |
| Endurance (TBW) | Up to 1,200 TBW | Up to 1,200 TBW |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
The main differences lie in their PCIe generation, read and write speeds, and best-use scenarios, with the 980 Pro being a performance-driven SSD for cutting-edge tasks and the 970 Evo an excellent choice for general users and gamers.
Samsung 980 Pro: Unleashing the Power of PCIe 4.0
Key Features
The Samsung 980 Pro is the brand’s flagship PCIe Gen 4.0 SSD, designed to deliver top-tier speed and performance for users who require the absolute best.
- Blazing Fast Speeds: With read speeds up to 7,000 MB/s and write speeds up to 5,000 MB/s, the 980 Pro is almost twice as fast as the 970 Evo. This speed is ideal for high-demand applications, including 4K and 8K video editing, heavy data transfers, and large file rendering.
- Advanced Thermal Control: Samsung has equipped the 980 Pro with a nickel-coated controller and heat spreader to maintain optimal temperatures, preventing overheating during heavy workloads. This feature is essential for professionals who need sustained, reliable performance.
- Optimized for PCIe 4.0: The 980 Pro requires a PCIe 4.0-compatible motherboard to take full advantage of its speed. Although it can work on a PCIe 3.0 slot, you won’t achieve its maximum potential without PCIe 4.0 support.
Pros
- Unmatched Speed: The PCIe 4.0 interface allows for some of the fastest read and write speeds on the market.
- Thermal Management: Built-in heat control ensures consistent performance, even under high stress.
- Durability: With up to 1,200 TBW, it’s designed to last through years of heavy use.
Cons
- Higher Price Point: Premium performance comes with a premium price, making it a bigger investment.
- Requires PCIe 4.0 for Full Speed: Without a compatible PCIe 4.0 motherboard, you won’t get the advertised speeds.
Best Use Cases
- Creative Professionals: Perfect for video editors, photographers, and designers working with high-resolution files.
- High-Performance Gaming: Gamers seeking ultra-fast load times and smooth transitions will benefit from the 980 Pro’s incredible speed.
- Data-Intensive Applications: Ideal for users who regularly move large files or need high read/write speeds for data analysis and 3D modeling.
Samsung 970 Evo: High Performance for a Budget-Friendly Price
Key Features
The Samsung 970 Evo is one of the most popular NVMe SSDs on the market, offering impressive PCIe Gen 3.0 speeds at a more affordable price. While it doesn’t match the speed of the 980 Pro, it still provides excellent performance for most users.
- Reliable PCIe Gen 3.0 Speeds: With read speeds up to 3,500 MB/s and write speeds up to 2,500 MB/s, the 970 Evo delivers impressive performance that’s more than enough for gaming, everyday applications, and moderate professional work.
- Intelligent TurboWrite Technology: The 970 Evo features Samsung’s TurboWrite technology, which creates a larger buffer to boost write speeds during data-intensive tasks, providing better performance than many other Gen 3 SSDs.
- Wide Compatibility: Because it operates on PCIe 3.0, the 970 Evo is compatible with more systems, especially older motherboards, without sacrificing too much speed for general use.
Pros
- Affordable Performance: The 970 Evo offers great speed at a more budget-friendly price compared to the 980 Pro.
- Versatile Compatibility: Works with a wider range of motherboards, making it an easy upgrade for many systems.
- Reliable with Excellent Endurance: With the same endurance as the 980 Pro (up to 1,200 TBW), it’s a long-lasting choice for general and moderate professional use.
Cons
- Slower than PCIe 4.0 SSDs: For users seeking maximum speed, the 970 Evo doesn’t match up to PCIe 4.0 SSDs.
- Less Effective for High-Intensity Tasks: While excellent for everyday use, creative professionals working with massive files may notice the speed limitations.
Best Use Cases
- Gamers: The 970 Evo is more than capable of handling gaming applications and offers fast load times without the high cost.
- Everyday Professionals: Users who primarily need a reliable SSD for regular tasks like document handling, media storage, and light content creation will find the 970 Evo a solid choice.
- Creative Professionals on a Budget: Photographers, designers, and videographers who need moderate performance without the 980 Pro’s high price tag.
Which SSD Should You Choose?
When deciding between the Samsung 980 Pro and 970 Evo, consider these factors:
Performance Needs
If you need the fastest possible speeds and plan to use applications like video editing, data analysis, or gaming with the highest settings, the 980 Pro’s PCIe 4.0 speeds are unbeatable. However, if your needs are moderate and you don’t require maximum speed, the 970 Evo’s PCIe 3.0 performance is still excellent for most tasks.
Budget
The 970 Evo offers a lot of value for a more affordable price. It’s ideal if you’re upgrading an older computer or simply don’t need the high speeds of PCIe 4.0. The 980 Pro, while pricier, is an investment for those who rely heavily on their system’s speed and need sustained performance under heavy workloads.
Compatibility
Before deciding, check your computer’s motherboard compatibility. If your motherboard supports PCIe 4.0, you’ll be able to use the 980 Pro’s full potential. However, if you have a PCIe 3.0 motherboard, you’ll get more out of the 970 Evo since upgrading to PCIe 4.0 may require a full motherboard replacement.
Final Verdict
Both the Samsung 980 Pro and 970 Evo are top-notch SSDs, each with its own advantages. If you’re looking for cutting-edge speed and are willing to invest in the latest technology, the 980 Pro is a powerful choice for demanding applications and future-proofing your setup. On the other hand, the 970 Evo delivers impressive performance and value, making it a fantastic option for most users, including gamers and everyday professionals who don’t need the absolute fastest speeds.
By weighing your performance needs, budget, and compatibility, you’ll be able to choose the right SSD to enhance your system’s speed and reliability. Whichever option you select, both the 980 Pro and 970 Evo will provide you with Samsung’s renowned quality and dependability, keeping your data safe, your work seamless, and your games loading faster than ever.