What To Know
- The company’s 980 Pro and 970 EVO Plus models are two of the most popular options on the market, but which one is right for you.
- In terms of endurance, the 980 Pro has a rated lifespan of 600 TBW (Terabytes Written), while the 970 EVO Plus has a lifespan of 150 TBW.
- Samsung offers a range of software tools for both the 980 Pro and the 970 EVO Plus.
When it comes to M.2 SSDs, Samsung has consistently been a top choice for consumers. The company’s 980 Pro and 970 EVO Plus models are two of the most popular options on the market, but which one is right for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between these two drives, helping you make an informed decision.
Performance: Speed and Endurance
The 980 Pro is Samsung’s flagship M.2 SSD, offering blazing-fast performance. It utilizes PCIe 4.0 technology, which provides significantly higher bandwidth compared to its predecessor, PCIe 3.0. This translates to sequential read/write speeds of up to 7,000/6,000 MB/s, making it one of the fastest SSDs on the market.
The 970 EVO Plus, on the other hand, uses PCIe 3.0 and delivers sequential read/write speeds of up to 3,500/3,300 MB/s. While not as fast as the 980 Pro, it still offers impressive performance for most users.
In terms of endurance, the 980 Pro has a rated lifespan of 600 TBW (Terabytes Written), while the 970 EVO Plus has a lifespan of 150 TBW. This indicates that the 980 Pro is designed to handle more intensive workloads and longer-term use.
Capacity and Price
Both the 980 Pro and the 970 EVO Plus are available in various capacities, ranging from 250GB to 2TB. However, the 980 Pro offers a wider range of options, including 500GB and 1TB capacities.
Price-wise, the 980 Pro is typically more expensive than the 970 EVO Plus for comparable capacities. This is due to its higher performance and endurance capabilities.
Form Factor and Compatibility
Both the 980 Pro and the 970 EVO Plus use the M.2 2280 form factor, making them compatible with most modern motherboards. They are both single-sided, which means they can fit into laptops and other thin devices.
Software and Features
Samsung offers a range of software tools for both the 980 Pro and the 970 EVO Plus. These tools include Samsung Magician, which allows you to monitor the health of your drive, optimize performance, and create secure partitions.
Warranty and Support
Samsung provides a 5-year limited warranty for both the 980 Pro and the 970 EVO Plus. This warranty covers any defects in materials or workmanship. Samsung also offers excellent customer support through its website and phone lines.
Which One Should You Choose?
The best choice for you depends on your individual needs and budget. If you need the absolute fastest performance and highest endurance, the 980 Pro is the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option that still offers excellent performance, the 970 EVO Plus is a great choice.
The Final Verdict: Performance vs. Value
Ultimately, the 980 Pro is the better performer, but it comes at a premium price. The 970 EVO Plus, on the other hand, offers a great balance of performance and value.
What You Need to Know
Q: Which drive is better for gaming?
A: Both the 980 Pro and the 970 EVO Plus are excellent choices for gaming. However, if you want the absolute best performance, the 980 Pro is the better option.
Q: Which drive is more durable?
A: The 980 Pro has a higher endurance rating than the 970 EVO Plus, indicating that it can handle more intensive workloads and longer-term use.
Q: Is the 980 Pro worth the extra cost?
A: Whether the 980 Pro is worth the extra cost depends on your individual needs. If you need the absolute fastest performance and highest endurance, then yes, it’s worth the investment. However, if you’re on a budget, the 970 EVO Plus offers excellent performance at a more affordable price.
