The Samsung 980 PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 Internal SSD: Enhanced Performance and Reliability

Whether you need a boost for gaming, a seamless workflow for heavy graphics, or extra power for intensive files, the Samsung 980 PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 Internal SSD more than fills the bill. Available in capacities of 250GB, 500GB, and 1TB, the 980 is a direct replacement for Samsung’s 970 EVO and features enhancements to improve its overall reliability and performance, including sequential read speeds of up to 3500 MB/s, sequential write speeds of up to 3000 MB/s, and an endurance rating of up to 600TB. By comparison, the 970 EVO delivers sequential reads of up to 3400 MB/s and sequential writes of up to 2500 MB/s.

To help ensure long operational life, the 980 uses a nickel coating to manage the controller’s heat level, plus a heat spreader to deliver more effective thermal control. Both of those work alongside an embedded thermal control algorithm, which further helps to minimize performance fluctuations.

Lastly, if you’re thinking that the Samsung 980 sounds familiar, it very well may. Last fall, Samsung released the 980 PRO. If you’re wondering why one should consider the 980 when the more professional 980 PRO is available, and even with a 2TB option, here are a few key differences between the two. The 980 PRO can achieve sequential reads of up to 7000 MB/s and sequential writes of up to 5100 MB/s. All of that sounds pretty great, but those speeds require a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface. Otherwise, you’ll be paying for performance that you won’t be able to achieve.

So, if you’re a hardcore gamer or tech-savvy user looking for maximum bandwidth and throughput in heavy-duty applications in gaming, graphics, data analytics, and more, the 980 PRO is the SSD for you, provided your system supports the PCIe 4.0 x4 bus. If your system supports PCIe 3.0 x4, then the 980 is a high-quality SSD that you should not hesitate to acquire.

Which of these SSDs is right for you? Do you already use the 980 PRO? Are you planning to upgrade from the 970 EVO? Feel free to leave your comments below.