What To Know
- The Samsung SSD 980 offers a total write endurance of up to 600 TBW (terabytes written), while the WD Black SN770 provides a slightly higher endurance of up to 1,200 TBW.
- While the Samsung SSD 980 holds a slight edge in sequential read and write speeds, the WD Black SN770 boasts higher endurance and a longer warranty.
- The WD Black SN770 offers a higher total write endurance (1,200 TBW) compared to the Samsung SSD 980 (600 TBW), making it more suitable for heavy workloads or long-term data retention.
In the realm of NVMe SSDs, the Samsung SSD 980 and WD Black SN770 stand as two formidable contenders vying for supremacy. Both drives boast impressive performance and reliability, making it crucial to delve into their differences to determine the optimal choice for your specific needs.
Performance Comparison
Sequential Read and Write Speeds
The Samsung SSD 980 offers lightning-fast sequential read and write speeds of up to 3,500 MB/s and 3,000 MB/s, respectively. The WD Black SN770 is slightly behind, with sequential read and write speeds of up to 3,470 MB/s and 3,000 MB/s. While both drives deliver exceptional performance, the Samsung SSD 980 holds a slight edge in this category.
Random Read and Write Speeds
Random read and write operations are crucial for everyday tasks like loading applications and files. The Samsung SSD 980 excels in this area, with random read speeds of up to 500,000 IOPS and random write speeds of up to 480,000 IOPS. The WD Black SN770 falls slightly short, offering random read speeds of up to 490,000 IOPS and random write speeds of up to 450,000 IOPS.
Endurance and Reliability
Both the Samsung SSD 980 and WD Black SN770 boast impressive endurance ratings. The Samsung SSD 980 offers a total write endurance of up to 600 TBW (terabytes written), while the WD Black SN770 provides a slightly higher endurance of up to 1,200 TBW. This indicates that the WD Black SN770 can withstand more data writes before reaching its end of life.
Form Factor and Capacity
The Samsung SSD 980 and WD Black SN770 come in the standard M.2 2280 form factor, making them compatible with most modern motherboards. Both drives are available in a wide range of capacities, from 250GB to 2TB. However, the Samsung SSD 980 offers a unique 500GB capacity option that is not available with the WD Black SN770.
Additional Features
Samsung Magician Software
The Samsung SSD 980 comes with the Samsung Magician software, which provides a comprehensive suite of tools for drive management, performance monitoring, and firmware updates. The WD Black SN770 does not offer a comparable software package.
Warranty
The Samsung SSD 980 comes with a standard 5-year warranty, while the WD Black SN770 offers a slightly longer 6-year warranty. This additional year of coverage provides peace of mind and ensures that your investment is protected for an extended period.
Which Drive is Right for You?
The choice between the Samsung SSD 980 and WD Black SN770 ultimately depends on your specific requirements and budget.
- If you prioritize blazing-fast sequential read and write speeds, the Samsung SSD 980 is the clear winner.
- If endurance and reliability are your primary concerns, the WD Black SN770 offers a higher total write endurance and a longer warranty.
- If you value software management tools and a unique 500GB capacity option, the Samsung SSD 980 is the better choice.
Price Comparison
The Samsung SSD 980 and WD Black SN770 are priced similarly, with slight variations depending on capacity. Generally, the Samsung SSD 980 is slightly more expensive than the WD Black SN770. However, the price difference is often minimal, especially for larger capacities.
Final Thoughts
Both the Samsung SSD 980 and WD Black SN770 are excellent NVMe SSDs that offer exceptional performance and reliability. While the Samsung SSD 980 holds a slight edge in sequential read and write speeds, the WD Black SN770 boasts higher endurance and a longer warranty. Ultimately, the best drive for you depends on your specific needs and priorities.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which drive is better for gaming?
A: Both drives offer excellent gaming performance, but the Samsung SSD 980’s slightly faster sequential read and write speeds may provide a marginal advantage in load times.
Q: Which drive is more durable?
A: The WD Black SN770 offers a higher total write endurance (1,200 TBW) compared to the Samsung SSD 980 (600 TBW), making it more suitable for heavy workloads or long-term data retention.
Q: Does either drive support encryption?
A: Yes, both the Samsung SSD 980 and WD Black SN770 support hardware-based encryption for data protection.
