In the world of Solid State Drives (SSDs), the choices can be overwhelming. Two of the most popular options currently are the Crucial P5 Plus vs Samsung 980 Pro. Both are PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs designed to deliver lightning-fast speeds, but how do they compare? If you’re looking to upgrade your storage or build a new PC, this guide will break down everything you need to know about these two SSDs.
What Are NVMe SSDs?
Before we dive into the comparison, let’s quickly talk about what makes NVMe SSDs special. NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) is a protocol that allows SSDs to communicate with a computer’s processor much faster than older SATA SSDs. The result? Quicker boot times, faster file transfers, and overall better performance for tasks like gaming, video editing, and running demanding applications.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s see how the Crucial P5 Plus and Samsung 980 Pro stack up against each other.
Specifications at a Glance
Here’s a quick look at the core specifications of both SSDs:
| Feature | Crucial P5 Plus | Samsung 980 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe Gen 4 x4 | PCIe Gen 4 x4 |
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 | M.2 2280 |
| Capacities Available | 500GB, 1TB, 2TB | 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| Sequential Read Speed | Up to 6600 MB/s | Up to 7000 MB/s |
| Sequential Write Speed | Up to 5000 MB/s | Up to 5100 MB/s |
| NAND Type | Micron 3D NAND | Samsung V-NAND |
| TBW (Endurance) | Up to 1200 TBW (2TB model) | Up to 1200 TBW (2TB model) |
| Warranty | 5 Years | 5 Years |
Performance Comparison
1. Read and Write Speeds
- Crucial P5 Plus: This SSD offers impressive read speeds of up to 6600 MB/s and write speeds of up to 5000 MB/s. It’s designed for gamers and professionals who need fast load times and quick file transfers.
- Samsung 980 Pro: With read speeds of up to 7000 MB/s and write speeds of up to 5100 MB/s, the Samsung 980 Pro is slightly faster. This makes it ideal for high-end tasks like 4K video editing or running multiple virtual machines.
Winner: Samsung 980 Pro (for slightly better speed).
2. Capacity Options
- Crucial P5 Plus: Available in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB options, this SSD covers most users’ needs.
- Samsung 980 Pro: Offers a wider range of capacities, starting at 250GB and going up to 2TB. This makes it a good choice if you’re looking for a smaller or larger drive.
Winner: Samsung 980 Pro (for more capacity choices).
Gaming Experience
When it comes to gaming, both SSDs deliver exceptional performance. Games load faster, and there’s less waiting around during updates or installations. However, the slightly higher read speed of the Samsung 980 Pro can give it a small edge in reducing load times for massive open-world games.
Pro Tip: If you’re a gamer, ensure your motherboard supports PCIe 4.0 to fully utilize these SSDs’ speeds.
Reliability and Endurance
Both SSDs come with excellent durability ratings:
- The Crucial P5 Plus offers up to 1200 TBW (Terabytes Written) for its 2TB model.
- The Samsung 980 Pro also provides up to 1200 TBW for its 2TB model.
In terms of warranty, both drives offer a 5-year limited warranty, which is standard for high-end SSDs. You can rely on either drive for years of use, whether it’s for gaming, professional work, or general storage.
Winner: Tie (both are highly reliable).
Software and Features
Crucial P5 Plus
Crucial provides the Crucial Storage Executive software, which lets you:
- Monitor drive health.
- Update firmware.
- Enable the Momentum Cache feature to boost performance temporarily.
Samsung 980 Pro
Samsung’s Magician Software is more comprehensive, offering:
- Drive health monitoring.
- Performance benchmarking.
- Secure erase and over-provisioning tools.
Winner: Samsung 980 Pro (for more advanced software tools).
Price Comparison
One of the most significant factors for many buyers is the price. Here’s how the two SSDs compare:
- The Crucial P5 Plus is generally more affordable, especially for the 1TB and 2TB models.
- The Samsung 980 Pro tends to be more expensive due to its higher performance and brand reputation.
If you’re on a budget but still want great performance, the Crucial P5 Plus is the better choice. On the other hand, if you’re willing to spend extra for slightly better speeds and features, go for the Samsung 980 Pro.
Winner: Crucial P5 Plus (for better value).
Related: Samsung 980 Pro vs WD Black SN850X: Which to Choose?
Use Cases
Here’s a breakdown of who should pick which SSD:
Choose the Crucial P5 Plus if:
- You’re on a budget.
- You’re upgrading a gaming PC or workstation.
- You don’t need the absolute fastest speeds but still want excellent performance.
Choose the Samsung 980 Pro if:
- You want the fastest possible speeds.
- You’re doing heavy 4K or 8K video editing.
- You’re building a high-end gaming or professional rig and don’t mind spending more.
Related: SK hynix Platinum P41 vs Samsung 980 Pro: Best Choice for Storage
Pros and Cons
Crucial P5 Plus
Pros:
- More affordable.
- Excellent read and write speeds.
- Good endurance and reliability.
Cons:
- Slightly slower than the Samsung 980 Pro.
- Software features are less advanced.
Samsung 980 Pro
Pros:
- Exceptional performance.
- Advanced software tools.
- Wider range of capacity options.
Cons:
- Higher price.
Both the Crucial P5 Plus and the Samsung 980 Pro are top-tier SSDs, but they cater to slightly different audiences. If you’re looking for the best value and solid performance, go for the Crucial P5 Plus. However, if speed and advanced features are your priorities, the Samsung 980 Pro is the clear winner.
No matter which SSD you choose, you’ll be getting a reliable, high-performance drive that’s ready to handle modern computing tasks.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments below which SSD you’re planning to pick and why!
