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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsChoose between the Samsung 990 PRO and 990 EVO Plus only after confirming your PC has a compatible M.2 NVMe slot. Both are fast internal SSDs, but their interface configurations and published peak speeds differ: Samsung rates the PRO at up to 7,450 MB/s read and 6,900 MB/s write, while EVO Plus read ratings range from 7,150 to 7,250 MB/s by capacity, with writes up to 6,300 MB/s. Those are Samsung’s qualified maximum measurements, not guaranteed speeds in every computer.
Check your PC before choosing a drive
Look up the exact PC or motherboard model and confirm that it has an available M.2 slot supporting NVMe storage. M.2 describes the physical slot and drive form factor; it does not by itself guarantee NVMe support. Check the device manual for supported PCIe generations, physical clearance, and whether a heatsink or mounting screw is supplied or required. Samsung notes that installation and replacement procedures vary by device, manufacturer, and model.
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Both models are M.2 NVMe SSDs. The EVO Plus is specifically listed as M.2 2280, so confirm the slot supports that length before buying. Do not assume that either drive will fit or work in a particular PC without checking its documentation.
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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →How the interfaces and headline speeds compare
| Specification | Samsung 990 PRO | Samsung 990 EVO Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Form and interface | M.2 NVMe; PCIe 4.0 x4. Samsung US buying guide | M.2 2280 NVMe; PCIe 4.0 x4 or PCIe 5.0 x2; backward compatible with PCIe 3.0 x4 according to the datasheet. Samsung 990 EVO Plus datasheet |
| Published sequential read | Up to 7,450 MB/s. Samsung US buying guide | Up to 7,150 MB/s at 1TB; up to 7,250 MB/s at 2TB and 4TB. Samsung datasheet |
| Published sequential write | Up to 6,900 MB/s. Samsung US buying guide | Up to 6,300 MB/s. Samsung specifies Intelligent TurboWrite for this figure; it applies within a defined transfer size. Samsung datasheet |
| Cache | DRAM-equipped. Samsung US buying guide | HMB (Host Memory Buffer). Samsung datasheet |
| Capacities listed | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB. Samsung US buying guide | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB. Samsung datasheet |
The EVO Plus can link over PCIe 5.0 x2 or PCIe 4.0 x4; which mode is available depends on the host slot and lane configuration. A PC limited to PCIe 4.0 does not gain a guaranteed speed advantage from the EVO Plus’s PCIe 5.0 x2 capability. Likewise, advertised peak throughput should not be treated as an application-speed prediction. Samsung says performance may vary with firmware, system hardware, and configuration; the EVO Plus write maximum also depends on its TurboWrite behavior.
#1 Best Overall
- MEET THE NEXT GEN: Consider this a cheat code; Our Samsung 990 PRO Gen4 SSD helps you reach near max performance with lightning-fast speeds; Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or a tech guru, you’ll get power efficiency built for the final boss
- REACH THE NEXT LEVEL: Gen4 steps up with faster transfer speeds and high-performance bandwidth; With a more than 55% improvement in random performance compared to 980 PRO, it’s here for heavy computing and faster loading
- THE FASTEST SSD FROM THE WORLD'S FLASH MEMORY BRAND: The speed you need for any occasion; With read and write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s you’ll reach near max performance of PCIe 4.0 powering through for any use
- PLAY WITHOUT LIMITS: Give yourself some space with storage capacities from 1TB to 4TB; Sync all your saves and reign supreme in gaming, video editing, data analysis and more
- IT’S A POWER MOVE: Save the power for your performance; Get power efficiency all while experiencing up to 50% improved performance per watt over the 980 PRO; It makes every move more effective with less consumption
Compare capacity, endurance, and warranty
| Capacity | 990 PRO endurance | 990 EVO Plus endurance |
|---|---|---|
| 1TB | 600 TBW | 600 TBW |
| 2TB | 1,200 TBW | 1,200 TBW |
| 4TB | 2,400 TBW | 2,400 TBW |
Samsung’s buying guide gives the 990 PRO a five-year limited warranty or 600 TBW per TB of capacity, whichever comes first. The EVO Plus carries a five-year limited warranty, with the same capacity-scaled TBW ratings shown above; Samsung says whichever warranty limit is reached first applies. Check the terms for the exact product and region when purchasing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which one should you choose?
Choose the 990 PRO if
- Your PC supports M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 and you want the higher Samsung-listed sequential write maximum of the two.
- You prefer the DRAM-equipped design described in Samsung’s buying guide.
Choose the 990 EVO Plus if
- You need its documented PCIe 5.0 x2 option or PCIe 3.0 x4 backward compatibility, and your device supports the relevant configuration.
- You find it at a better current price for the capacity you need; prices and stock change, so compare listings at purchase time.
For either model, compare the same capacity and consider your workload, not just the sequential maximum. Samsung’s published figures do not establish a controlled independent head-to-head result or prove that one drive is universally faster for everyday applications.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- OUR ULTIMATE SSD: Reach near max performance with PCIe 4.0*; The in-house controller's smart heat control delivers our best power efficiency while maintaining ferocious performance that always keeps you at the top of your game
- MAXIMIZED PCIE 4.0 SPEED: Get random read/write speeds that are 40%/55% faster than 980 PRO; Experience up to 1400K/1550K IOPS and read/write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s for gaming, video editing, 3D modeling, data analysis and more**
- BREAKTHROUGH POWER EFFICIENCY: Get more performance while using less power; Enjoy up to 50% improved performance per watt over 980 PRO***
- THERMAL CONTROL: Samsung's nickel-coated high-end controller delivers thermal control and prevents performance drops from overheating; 990 PRO with Heatsink is a perfect fit for PlayStation 5, desktops, laptops that meet the PCI-SIG D8 standard****
- THE CHAMPION MAKER: A more than 55% improvement in random performance enables faster loads for an ultimate gaming experience on PS5 and DirectStorage PC games; With RGB LED lights, Heatsink’s futuristic design adds style to function*****
Rank #4
- High-performance PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD for high-end PC gaming as well as 4K video and 3D editing, data analytics and more.
- Exceptional speed: Sequential read/write speeds of up to 7,450 MB/s and 6,900 MB/s respectively for all variants from 1 to 4 TB of storage capacity.
- High reliability and long-lasting performance thanks to Heat Spreader and Dynamic Thermal Guard technology to protect against overheating
- Storage capacities of up to 4 TB in compact M.2 form factor (2280), Ideal for high-performance (gaming) PCs and notebooks/ultrabooks
- Easy drive management, with user-friendly Samsung Magician software for drive updates and performance optimisation
Rank #3
- BLAZING SPEED. COOL VICTORY: Consider this a cheat code; Our Samsung 990 PRO Gen 4 with Heatsink SSD helps you reach near max performance* with lightning-fast speeds and Heatsink for improved temperature control
- REACH THE NEXT LEVEL: Gen4 steps up with faster transfer speeds and high-performance bandwidth; With a more than 55% improvement in random performance compared to 980 PRO, it’s here for heavy computing and faster loading
- THE FASTEST SSD FROM THE WORLD'S #1 FLASH MEMORY BRAND**: The speed you need for any occasion; With read and write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s* you’ll reach near max performance of PCIe 4.0*** powering through for any use
- PLAY WITHOUT LIMITS: Give yourself some space with storage capacities from 1TB to 4TB; Sync all your saves and reign supreme in gaming, video editing, data analysis and more
- MADE w/ PS5 IN MIND: Ultra-slim Integrated Heatsink is designed to dissipate heat from your device to stabilize its temperature and prevent performance issues; It’s compatible with PlayStation 5 and PCI-SIG D8 standard desktops and laptops****
Rank #2
- HUGE SPEED BOOST: Get random read/write speeds that are 40%/55% faster than 980 PRO; Experience up to 1400K/1550K IOPS, while sequential read/write speeds up to 7,450/6,900 MB/s reach near the max performance of PCIe 4.0*
- BREAKTHROUGH POWER EFFICIENCY: Use less power and get more performance; Enjoy up to 50% improved performance per watt over 980 PRO, plus optimal power efficiency with max PCIe 4.0 performance**
- SMART THERMAL CONTROL: Samsung's own nickel-coated controller delivers effective thermal control; With its slim size, 990 PRO is a perfect fit for desktops and laptops that meet the PCI-SIG D8 standard***
- THE CHAMPION MAKER: Up to 65% improvement in random performance enables faster loads for an ultimate gaming experience on PS5 and DirectStorage PC games****
- SAMSUNG MAGICIAN SOFTWARE: Get the most out of your SSD with Samsung Magician's advanced yet intuitive optimization tools; Monitor drive health, protect valuable data, and receive important updates for your 990 PRO
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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