Samsung is a leader in the SSD market, offering high-performance and reliable solid-state drives that cater to a wide range of users, from everyday computer users to hardcore gamers. Two of their most popular models are the Samsung 970 EVO and the Samsung 980 Pro. While both are excellent choices, they have different strengths. In this article, we will compare their specifications and help you decide which SSD is the best fit for your needs.
Overview of Samsung 970 EVO and 980 Pro
General Introduction to Both SSDs
The Samsung 970 EVO has been a go-to option for many users looking for fast, reliable storage at a reasonable price. It’s part of Samsung’s well-established EVO series, designed to offer excellent performance for both professional and everyday use.
The Samsung 980 Pro, on the other hand, is part of Samsung’s more premium Pro lineup, boasting cutting-edge technology for superior performance. It’s targeted at gamers, content creators, and power users who demand the best.
Why These Models Stand Out in the SSD Market
The 970 EVO has been popular due to its affordability and solid performance, while the 980 Pro pushes boundaries with its next-gen PCIe 4.0 interface, offering blistering speeds for the most demanding tasks.
Related: Samsung 980 Pro vs WD Black SN850X: Which to Choose?
Key Specifications Comparison
Capacity Options
- Samsung 970 EVO: Available in 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB.
- Samsung 980 Pro: Available in 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB, with the addition of a 2TB model being particularly attractive for heavy users.
Interface Type
- Samsung 970 EVO: PCIe 3.0 x4, NVMe 1.3
- Samsung 980 Pro: PCIe 4.0 x4, NVMe 1.3c
The 980 Pro takes advantage of the faster PCIe 4.0 interface, which can significantly boost performance, particularly in systems that support it.
Read and Write Speeds
- Samsung 970 EVO: Sequential read speeds up to 3,500 MB/s and write speeds up to 2,500 MB/s.
- Samsung 980 Pro: Sequential read speeds up to 7,000 MB/s and write speeds up to 5,000 MB/s.
The 980 Pro is nearly double the speed of the 970 EVO, making it a superior choice for speed-hungry tasks.
Power Consumption
- Samsung 970 EVO: Lower power consumption, making it slightly more energy-efficient for laptops.
- Samsung 980 Pro: Higher power draw due to its PCIe 4.0 interface, which could impact battery life in portable devices.
Related: How to Download and Install the Samsung 980 Pro Driver
Performance Comparison
Gaming and High-End Applications
For gamers, the 980 Pro is the better choice due to its much faster read and write speeds. It loads games faster, handles large textures seamlessly, and reduces in-game stuttering. If you’re building a high-end gaming rig, the 980 Pro’s PCIe 4.0 speeds will offer the best performance.
Everyday Use
If you’re just using your SSD for general tasks like web browsing, watching videos, or using office applications, the 970 EVO will be more than sufficient. The speed difference between these two SSDs won’t be noticeable for day-to-day tasks.
Multitasking and Workloads
For heavy multitaskers or users running resource-heavy applications like video editing, 3D rendering, or programming, the 980 Pro will offer a significant performance boost. Its faster speeds mean less time waiting for files to load and applications to start.
NAND Type and Technology
970 EVO NAND
The 970 EVO uses Samsung’s 3D V-NAND technology, which stacks memory cells vertically to increase storage capacity and speed. It uses a PCIe 3.0 interface, which is still fast but now a generation behind.
980 Pro NAND and Controller
The 980 Pro features Samsung’s latest 3D V-NAND along with an in-house Elpis controller, specifically designed for PCIe 4.0. This combination provides the 980 Pro with its significant performance edge.
Thermal Management
How Both SSDs Handle Heat
Both SSDs can get hot under heavy loads, but the 980 Pro tends to heat up more due to its higher speeds. However, it comes with thermal control features like Dynamic Thermal Guard, which helps prevent overheating by automatically managing the temperature.
Need for Additional Cooling Solutions
For extreme users, especially those pushing the 980 Pro to its limits, it may be wise to use a heatsink or ensure good airflow in your PC case to manage heat more effectively.
Related: How to Unlock Samsung Galaxy S10
Reliability and Endurance
TBW (Terabytes Written) Rating
- Samsung 970 EVO: Up to 1,200 TBW for the 2TB model.
- Samsung 980 Pro: Up to 1,200 TBW for the 2TB model.
Both drives have similar endurance ratings, meaning they are both capable of handling heavy workloads over their lifespan.
Warranty and Lifespan
Both SSDs come with a 5-year limited warranty, so you’re covered for the long term.
Price and Value for Money
Cost per GB for Each Model
- Samsung 970 EVO: Generally more affordable, with a lower cost per GB.
- Samsung 980 Pro: Pricier due to its advanced technology and performance.
If you’re on a budget, the 970 EVO offers great value. However, if you need top-tier performance, the 980 Pro justifies its higher price.
Which Offers Better Long-Term Value?
If future-proofing your system is important, the 980 Pro may offer better long-term value, especially as PCIe 4.0 becomes more widely supported in future systems.
Related: How to Screen Record on Samsung S10
Gaming Performance Comparison
Load Times in Games
The 980 Pro cuts down on load times significantly, particularly in open-world games with large maps. If you want a seamless gaming experience, the 980 Pro will outperform the 970 EVO.
Speed in Large Game Files
For gamers with massive libraries or large game files, the 980 Pro’s higher speeds are a clear advantage, especially for quick installs and faster load times.
