What To Know
- The SN850 offers sequential read speeds of up to 7,000 MB/s and write speeds of up to 5,300 MB/s, while the 980 Pro delivers read speeds of up to 7,000 MB/s and write speeds of up to 5,000 MB/s.
- The higher endurance rating of the 980 Pro makes it a better choice for use in servers or other demanding environments.
- The SN850 features a proprietary “Game Mode” that optimizes performance for gaming, while the 980 Pro offers a “Turbo Write” mode that accelerates write speeds.
In the ever-evolving world of storage devices, NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) SSDs have emerged as the frontrunners, offering blazing-fast speeds and unparalleled performance. Two of the most formidable contenders in this arena are the WD Black SN850 NVMe SSD and the Samsung 980 Pro. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricacies of these SSDs, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for different use cases.
Performance: Speed and Responsiveness
The WD Black SN850 and Samsung 980 Pro both boast impressive performance metrics. The SN850 offers sequential read speeds of up to 7,000 MB/s and write speeds of up to 5,300 MB/s, while the 980 Pro delivers read speeds of up to 7,000 MB/s and write speeds of up to 5,000 MB/s.
In real-world usage, both SSDs deliver lightning-fast boot times, application loading, and file transfers. However, the SN850 has a slight edge in sequential write performance, making it ideal for intensive workloads like video editing and content creation.
Capacity and Endurance
The WD Black SN850 and Samsung 980 Pro come in a range of capacities, from 500GB to 2TB. Both SSDs offer excellent endurance ratings, with the SN850 rated for up to 600 TBW (Terabytes Written) and the 980 Pro rated for up to 1,200 TBW.
This means that both SSDs can withstand a substantial amount of data writing before reaching their end of life. The higher endurance rating of the 980 Pro makes it a better choice for use in servers or other demanding environments.
Form Factor and Compatibility
The WD Black SN850 and Samsung 980 Pro both use the M.2 2280 form factor, making them compatible with most modern motherboards and laptops. However, the SN850 is slightly thicker than the 980 Pro, so it’s important to check your device’s specifications before purchasing.
Features and Software
The WD Black SN850 and Samsung 980 Pro come with a suite of features designed to enhance performance and reliability. The SN850 features a proprietary “Game Mode” that optimizes performance for gaming, while the 980 Pro offers a “Turbo Write” mode that accelerates write speeds.
Both SSDs also come with software that allows users to monitor their health and performance. The WD Black Dashboard software provides detailed information about the SN850’s status, while the Samsung Magician software offers a range of optimization and diagnostic tools.
Price and Value
The WD Black SN850 and Samsung 980 Pro are both premium NVMe SSDs, and their prices reflect that. The SN850 typically sells for around $100-$200, while the 980 Pro is priced around $120-$250.
When it comes to value, the SN850 offers a slightly better price-to-performance ratio than the 980 Pro. However, the 980 Pro’s higher endurance rating and additional features may make it a better choice for some users.
The Bottom Line: Choosing the Right SSD for Your Needs
The WD Black SN850 and Samsung 980 Pro are both excellent NVMe SSDs that offer blazing-fast speeds, high capacities, and long endurance ratings. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and budget.
If you’re looking for the best possible performance, the WD Black SN850 is the clear winner. Its slightly higher sequential write speeds and proprietary Game Mode make it ideal for gamers and content creators.
If you need a high-endurance SSD for heavy workloads or server environments, the Samsung 980 Pro is a better choice. Its higher TBW rating and additional features, such as Turbo Write, make it more suitable for demanding applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which SSD is better for gaming, the WD Black SN850 or the Samsung 980 Pro?
A: The WD Black SN850 has a slight edge in gaming performance due to its higher sequential write speeds and proprietary Game Mode.
Q2: Which SSD has a longer lifespan, the WD Black SN850 or the Samsung 980 Pro?
A: The Samsung 980 Pro has a higher endurance rating (1,200 TBW vs. 600 TBW), indicating a longer lifespan.
Q3: Which SSD is more affordable, the WD Black SN850 or the Samsung 980 Pro?
A: The WD Black SN850 typically offers a better price-to-performance ratio, making it more affordable for most users.
