What To Know
- The Phoenix controller in the PM9A1 is specifically designed for enterprise and data center applications, while the Elpis controller in the 980 Pro targets consumer and enthusiast markets.
- The 980 Pro, on the other hand, offers slightly higher sequential speeds and is ideal for consumer and enthusiast systems where performance is the top priority.
- Both the PM9A1 and 980 Pro are excellent choices for gaming, but the 980 Pro’s slightly higher sequential speeds may provide a marginal advantage in load times and overall responsiveness.
In the realm of NVMe SSDs, two titans clash: the Samsung SSD PM9A1 and the Samsung 980 Pro. Both SSDs offer exceptional performance and reliability, but which one reigns supreme? In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between the PM9A1 and 980 Pro, exploring their specifications, performance, and features to determine the ultimate NVMe SSD champion.
Performance: Speed and Endurance
At the heart of any SSD lies its performance capabilities. The PM9A1 boasts sequential read and write speeds of up to 7,000 MB/s and 5,000 MB/s, respectively. The 980 Pro offers slightly higher sequential speeds, reaching up to 7,000 MB/s read and 6,500 MB/s write.
In terms of endurance, the PM9A1 delivers up to 1,500 TBW (Terabytes Written), while the 980 Pro offers an impressive 1,200 TBW. Both SSDs provide ample endurance for demanding workloads and long-term data storage.
Capacity: Storage Options
The PM9A1 and 980 Pro come in a range of capacities to meet diverse storage needs. The PM9A1 is available in capacities of 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB, while the 980 Pro offers capacities of 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB.
Form Factor: Compact and Versatile
Both the PM9A1 and 980 Pro utilize the M.2 form factor, making them compatible with most modern motherboards and laptops. The compact size and versatility of the M.2 form factor allow for easy installation and space optimization.
Controller: Advanced Technology
The PM9A1 employs Samsung’s Phoenix controller, while the 980 Pro features the Elpis controller. Both controllers are optimized for high performance and low power consumption. The Phoenix controller in the PM9A1 is specifically designed for enterprise and data center applications, while the Elpis controller in the 980 Pro targets consumer and enthusiast markets.
NAND Technology: Flash Memory
The PM9A1 and 980 Pro utilize Samsung‘s TLC (Triple-Level Cell) NAND flash memory. TLC NAND offers a balance between performance, capacity, and cost. The PM9A1 features 128-layer TLC NAND, while the 980 Pro employs 96-layer TLC NAND.
Features: Security and Extras
The PM9A1 and 980 Pro offer comprehensive security features, including AES-256 bit encryption and TCG Opal 2.0 compliance. Additionally, the PM9A1 supports self-encrypting drive (SED) capabilities for enhanced data protection.
Applications: Ideal Use Cases
The PM9A1 is ideal for enterprise and data center environments where high performance, reliability, and security are paramount. The 980 Pro is an excellent choice for consumer and enthusiast systems, providing exceptional performance for gaming, video editing, and other demanding applications.
Summary: The Ultimate Victor
The Samsung SSD PM9A1 and 980 Pro are both exceptional NVMe SSDs, but their strengths lie in different areas. The PM9A1 excels in enterprise and data center applications with its high endurance, security features, and advanced controller. The 980 Pro, on the other hand, offers slightly higher sequential speeds and is ideal for consumer and enthusiast systems where performance is the top priority.
Ultimately, the choice between the PM9A1 and 980 Pro depends on your specific needs and budget. Both SSDs deliver exceptional performance and reliability, making them top contenders in the NVMe SSD market.
What People Want to Know
Q1: Which SSD is faster, the PM9A1 or 980 Pro?
The 980 Pro offers slightly higher sequential speeds, but both SSDs provide exceptional performance for demanding applications.
Q2: Which SSD has higher endurance?
The PM9A1 offers a higher endurance rating of 1,500 TBW compared to the 980 Pro’s 1,200 TBW.
Q3: Which SSD is better for gaming?
Both the PM9A1 and 980 Pro are excellent choices for gaming, but the 980 Pro’s slightly higher sequential speeds may provide a marginal advantage in load times and overall responsiveness.
