Samsung 990 Pro 2TB review: Blazing-fast storage for professionals and enthusiasts
Discover why this PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD with 7,450 MB/s read speeds dominates the market with its exceptional performance and reliability
Quick specifications
At a glance
The Samsung 990 Pro 2TB represents the pinnacle of consumer storage technology in 2024. Building on the success of its predecessor, the 980 Pro, this next-generation NVMe SSD delivers unprecedented performance with read speeds reaching 7,450 MB/s and write speeds of 6,900 MB/s, making it one of the fastest PCIe 4.0 drives available today.
With its advanced V-NAND technology, improved controller, and enhanced thermal management, the 990 Pro is designed to handle the most demanding workloads. Whether you’re a content creator working with 8K video files, a gamer looking for lightning-fast load times, or a professional dealing with large datasets, this SSD delivers the performance and reliability you need.
Performance that redefines storage
Next-generation V-NAND technology
At the heart of the 990 Pro is Samsung’s latest 8th-generation V-NAND technology, which delivers higher density and improved performance compared to previous generations. This advanced memory architecture allows for faster data access and improved efficiency, resulting in the impressive sequential read and write speeds that set this drive apart from the competition.
The new Elpis controller, built on an advanced 8nm process, further enhances performance by optimizing data flow and reducing latency. This combination of cutting-edge memory and controller technology ensures that the 990 Pro maintains its high speeds even during sustained heavy workloads.
PCIe 4.0 NVMe interface
Leveraging the full potential of the PCIe 4.0 interface, the 990 Pro delivers nearly double the bandwidth of PCIe 3.0 SSDs. This translates to significantly faster file transfers, quicker application loading, and reduced wait times in all aspects of computing.
For gamers, this means faster game loading times and smoother open-world experiences. Content creators will benefit from quicker timeline scrubbing in video editing software and faster rendering times. Even everyday computing feels more responsive with applications launching almost instantaneously.
Advanced thermal management
Dynamic thermal guard technology
Samsung has equipped the 990 Pro with its advanced Dynamic Thermal Guard technology, which actively monitors and maintains optimal operating temperatures. The nickel-coated controller and heat spreader effectively dissipate heat, preventing thermal throttling even during the most intensive operations.
The improved thermal design not only ensures consistent performance but also extends the lifespan of the drive by protecting components from heat-related damage. This makes the 990 Pro an excellent choice for systems with limited airflow or compact builds where cooling might be a concern.
How it compares: Samsung vs the competition
| Specification | Samsung 990 ProOur pick | WD Black SN850XCompetitor | Seagate FireCuda 530Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2TB | 2TB | 2TB |
| Read speed | 7,450 MB/s | 7,300 MB/s | 7,300 MB/s |
| Write speed | 6,900 MB/s | 6,600 MB/s | 6,900 MB/s |
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 NVMe | PCIe 4.0 NVMe | PCIe 4.0 NVMe |
| NAND type | 8th Gen V-NAND | 3D TLC | 3D TLC |
| Warranty | 5 Years | 5 Years | 5 Years |
| Price range | $189-$229 | $179-$219 | $199-$239 |
While the WD Black SN850X offers competitive performance at a slightly lower price point, the Samsung 990 Pro’s superior read speeds and advanced V-NAND technology give it an edge in performance-critical applications. The Seagate FireCuda 530 matches the write speeds but falls short on read performance and lacks Samsung’s reputation for reliability.
Current pricing & availability
Prices have stabilized since launch — now is an excellent time to buy.
The verdict: Pros and cons
Advantages
- ✓ Exceptional 7,450 MB/s read speeds for ultra-fast performance
- ✓ Advanced 8th-generation V-NAND technology for reliability
- ✓ Improved thermal management with Dynamic Thermal Guard
- ✓ 5-year warranty with 1,200 TBW for peace of mind
- ✓ Samsung Magician software for drive management
- ✓ Power-efficient design for laptop compatibility
- ✓ Consistent performance even under sustained workloads
Considerations
- ✗ Premium pricing compared to PCIe 3.0 alternatives
- ✗ Requires PCIe 4.0 compatible motherboard for full performance
- ✗ May require heatsink for sustained heavy workloads
- ✗ Performance gains over previous generation are incremental
- ✗ Limited availability in some regions
Ready to upgrade your storage performance?
The Samsung 990 Pro 2TB delivers the speed and reliability you need for the most demanding tasks. Whether you’re gaming, creating content, or working with large datasets, this SSD won’t disappoint.
Find the best deal now →Final thoughts: Is the 990 Pro worth it?
The Samsung 990 Pro 2TB stands as one of the most impressive consumer SSDs available today. Its combination of blazing-fast speeds, advanced V-NAND technology, and robust thermal management make it an excellent choice for enthusiasts and professionals who demand the best performance from their storage.
While the price point places it in the premium segment, the performance gains over previous-generation drives are noticeable in real-world applications. The 5-year warranty and 1,200 TBW rating provide peace of mind for those investing in this high-performance storage solution.
For those building a new system or upgrading from an older SSD, the Samsung 990 Pro 2TB is an investment that will deliver exceptional performance and reliability for years to come.
