What To Know
- Beyond performance and endurance, both the Samsung SSD 980 and WD Blue SN570 offer a range of features to enhance their usability.
- After a thorough comparison of specifications, performance, endurance, features, and price, the Samsung SSD 980 emerges as the narrow victor over the WD Blue SN570.
- Both SSDs offer excellent gaming performance, but the Samsung SSD 980 has a slight edge in read speeds, which may provide a small advantage in load times.
In the realm of NVMe solid-state drives (SSDs), two formidable contenders emerge: the Samsung SSD 980 and the WD Blue SN570. These high-performance storage devices promise blazing-fast speeds and exceptional reliability. But which one reigns supreme? In this comprehensive analysis, we’ll delve into the intricacies of both SSDs, comparing their specifications, performance, and features to help you make an informed decision.
Specifications: A Technical Showdown
| Feature | Samsung SSD 980 | WD Blue SN570 |
| — | — | — |
| Interface | PCIe Gen 3.0 x4 NVMe | PCIe Gen 3.0 x4 NVMe |
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 | M.2 2280 |
| Capacity | 250GB – 1TB | 250GB – 1TB |
| NAND Type | TLC | TLC |
| Controller | Samsung Elpis | Western Digital NVMe Controller |
| Cache | 512MB – 1GB DRAM | 512MB DRAM |
| Read Speed | Up to 3,500 MB/s | Up to 3,500 MB/s |
| Write Speed | Up to 3,000 MB/s | Up to 3,300 MB/s |
| Endurance | 150 TBW – 600 TBW | 150 TBW – 600 TBW |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
Performance: Speed and Consistency
Both the Samsung SSD 980 and WD Blue SN570 deliver impressive read and write speeds, making them ideal for demanding applications such as gaming, video editing, and large data transfers. In benchmark tests, the 980 and SN570 consistently achieve sequential read speeds of around 3,500 MB/s and write speeds of up to 3,000 MB/s and 3,300 MB/s, respectively. However, the SN570 has a slight edge in write performance, particularly in sustained write operations.
Endurance: Reliability and Lifespan
Endurance is a crucial factor to consider when choosing an SSD. It measures the total amount of data that can be written to the drive before it reaches its end of life. Both the Samsung SSD 980 and WD Blue SN570 offer solid endurance ratings, ranging from 150 TBW (terabytes written) for the 250GB models to 600 TBW for the 1TB models. This means that these SSDs can withstand years of heavy usage without significant performance degradation.
Features: Value-Added Enhancements
Beyond performance and endurance, both the Samsung SSD 980 and WD Blue SN570 offer a range of features to enhance their usability. The 980 comes with Samsung’s Magician software, which provides advanced monitoring and management capabilities. It also supports TRIM, SMART, and NVMe over Fabrics (NVMe-oF) for increased data security and flexibility. The SN570, on the other hand, features Western Digital’s Acronis True Image for WD software, which allows for easy drive cloning and data recovery.
Price and Availability
The Samsung SSD 980 and WD Blue SN570 are available at similar price points, with the 250GB models typically costing around $50-$60 and the 1TB models around $100-$120. Both SSDs are widely available from major retailers and online marketplaces.
Final Thoughts: The Victor Emerges
After a thorough comparison of specifications, performance, endurance, features, and price, the Samsung SSD 980 emerges as the narrow victor over the WD Blue SN570. The 980 offers slightly faster read speeds, a more robust feature set, and a proven track record of reliability. While the SN570 has a slightly better write performance and a lower price point, these advantages are outweighed by the 980’s overall superiority.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Which SSD is better for gaming, the Samsung SSD 980 or WD Blue SN570?
A: Both SSDs offer excellent gaming performance, but the Samsung SSD 980 has a slight edge in read speeds, which may provide a small advantage in load times.
Q: Which SSD has the longest warranty?
A: Both the Samsung SSD 980 and WD Blue SN570 offer a 5-year warranty.
Q: Is the Samsung SSD 980 compatible with the PlayStation 5?
A: No, the Samsung SSD 980 is not compatible with the PlayStation 5. The SN570 is also not compatible.
