Black Friday Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD 2TB, PCIe Gen SSD Drive Review – Oemiu
Black Friday Showdown: Unpacking the Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD 2TB
Black Friday. The words alone conjure images of doorbuster deals, frenzied shoppers, and, most importantly for tech enthusiasts, the chance to snag premium hardware at significantly reduced prices. This year, one component stands out as a potential game-changer for upgrading your PC or console: the Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD 2TB. Solid-state drives, or SSDs, have revolutionized storage, offering vastly superior speed and responsiveness compared to traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). But with a market flooded with options, how does the 990 EVO Plus stack up, and is it truly worth your hard-earned cash this Black Friday? This in-depth review delves into the heart of this PCIe Gen SSD drive, exploring its performance, features, target audience, and overall value proposition. We’ll break down the technical jargon, compare it to its competitors, and ultimately help you decide if this is the right storage solution for your needs. Consider this your comprehensive guide to navigating the world of high-speed storage and making an informed decision this Black Friday.
Unveiling the Samsung 990 EVO Plus: A Technological Marvel?
The Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2TB isn’t just another SSD; it represents a significant leap in storage technology, building upon the legacy of Samsung’s renowned SSD lineup. At its core, this drive utilizes Samsung’s advanced V-NAND flash memory, known for its exceptional endurance and performance. This technology allows for higher storage density, meaning you can pack more data into a smaller space, contributing to the drive’s impressive 2TB capacity. More importantly, it provides incredible read and write speeds which makes it an ideal SSD drive. However, the real magic lies in its PCIe Gen4 interface. Unlike older SATA-based SSDs, the 990 EVO Plus leverages the much faster PCIe Gen4 bus, unlocking a substantial performance boost. This translates to significantly quicker boot times, faster application loading, and reduced game loading screens. It’s a difference that can be genuinely felt in everyday use, transforming your computing experience from sluggish to lightning-fast.
Beyond raw speed, the 990 EVO Plus boasts a host of features designed to enhance its reliability and longevity. Dynamic Thermal Guard technology actively monitors and regulates the drive’s temperature, preventing overheating and ensuring consistent performance even under heavy workloads. This is crucial for maintaining the drive’s lifespan and preventing data loss. Furthermore, Samsung’s Magician software provides a user-friendly interface for monitoring drive health, updating firmware, and optimizing performance. This software offers tools for securely erasing data, benchmarking the drive’s performance, and even customizing over-provisioning to extend the drive’s lifespan. All of this combines to create a well-rounded package that prioritizes both speed and reliability, making the 990 EVO Plus a compelling choice for a wide range of users.
To put this into context, imagine you’re a video editor constantly working with large 4K video files. The time spent waiting for files to load, render, and save can be incredibly frustrating and time-consuming. Upgrading to the 990 EVO Plus can dramatically reduce these wait times, allowing you to focus on your creative work rather than being bogged down by technical limitations. Similarly, gamers can experience significantly faster game loading times and smoother gameplay, eliminating frustrating lag and stuttering. Even everyday tasks like booting up your computer or opening applications will feel noticeably snappier. The 990 EVO Plus isn’t just about theoretical performance numbers; it’s about improving the real-world usability and responsiveness of your system.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 2TB |
| Interface | PCIe Gen4 x4, NVMe 1.4 |
| Sequential Read Speed | Up to 7,450 MB/s |
| Sequential Write Speed | Up to 6,900 MB/s |
| Random Read Speed (4KB) | Up to 1,200K IOPS |
| Random Write Speed (4KB) | Up to 1,100K IOPS |
| TBW (Terabytes Written) | 1,200 TBW |
Performance Benchmarks and Real-World Testing: Does the 990 EVO Plus Live Up to the Hype?
Specification sheets and manufacturer claims are one thing, but real-world performance is where the rubber meets the road. The Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2TB consistently delivers impressive results in benchmark tests, validating its position as a high-performance SSD. In tests like CrystalDiskMark, the drive typically achieves sequential read speeds close to the advertised 7,450 MB/s and sequential write speeds around 6,900 MB/s. These figures are significantly higher than those of older SATA-based SSDs and even surpass some Gen3 NVMe drives. Random read and write speeds, measured in IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second), are also exceptional, crucial for handling everyday tasks and multitasking. These numbers translate to snappier system responsiveness and reduced latency across the board.
However, benchmarks only tell part of the story. To truly assess the 990 EVO Plus’s performance, it’s essential to consider its behavior in real-world scenarios. In file transfer tests, copying large files from one location to another, the drive demonstrates its speed advantage. Copying a 50GB file, for example, takes a fraction of the time compared to a SATA SSD or even a slower NVMe drive. This is particularly beneficial for content creators who frequently work with large video files, image archives, or audio libraries. Game loading times are also significantly reduced, allowing gamers to jump into their favorite titles much faster. Games that previously took minutes to load now load in seconds, providing a more seamless and immersive gaming experience. Furthermore, the 990 EVO Plus excels in multitasking scenarios. Running multiple applications simultaneously, such as a web browser with numerous tabs, a video editor, and a music player, doesn’t bog down the system, thanks to the drive’s fast random access speeds. The system remains responsive and lag-free, even under heavy load. The enhanced speed of this PCIe Gen SSD drive is very noticeable.
It’s important to note that performance can vary slightly depending on the system configuration and workload. Factors such as the motherboard chipset, CPU, and amount of RAM can all influence the drive’s performance. However, in most modern systems, the 990 EVO Plus will deliver a noticeable performance boost compared to older storage solutions. While the peak performance numbers might not always be sustained during prolonged heavy workloads, the Dynamic Thermal Guard technology helps to minimize throttling and maintain consistent performance. Overall, the Samsung 990 EVO Plus lives up to the hype, delivering exceptional performance in both benchmark tests and real-world scenarios. It’s a worthwhile upgrade for anyone looking to improve the speed and responsiveness of their system, especially during resource intensive applications.
Target Audience and Use Cases: Who Will Benefit Most from the 990 EVO Plus?
The Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2TB caters to a diverse range of users, from gamers and content creators to professionals and everyday PC users. Its high performance and ample storage capacity make it a versatile solution for various applications. Gamers will undoubtedly appreciate the significantly faster game loading times and smoother gameplay. The 990 EVO Plus can dramatically reduce wait times, allowing them to jump into their favorite titles much quicker and experience a more immersive gaming experience. The reduced latency also helps to minimize lag and stuttering, providing a competitive edge in online games.
Content creators, such as video editors, graphic designers, and photographers, will also benefit greatly from the 990 EVO Plus. The drive’s fast read and write speeds enable them to work with large files more efficiently, reducing rendering times, speeding up file transfers, and improving overall workflow. Editing 4K video footage, manipulating high-resolution images, and working with complex audio projects become significantly smoother and less time-consuming. Professionals who rely on their computers for demanding tasks, such as software development, data analysis, and scientific simulations, will also find the 990 EVO Plus to be a valuable asset. The drive’s fast performance can help to accelerate these tasks, improving productivity and allowing them to complete projects more quickly. The 990 EVO Plus can also serve as an excellent boot drive for everyday PC users. Upgrading from a traditional hard drive to the 990 EVO Plus will result in significantly faster boot times, quicker application loading, and a more responsive overall system. Even simple tasks like browsing the web or checking email will feel noticeably snappier.
Ultimately, the Samsung 990 EVO Plus is a versatile storage solution that can benefit a wide range of users. Whether you’re a gamer looking for faster loading times, a content creator seeking to improve your workflow, a professional in need of a high-performance drive, or an everyday PC user looking to upgrade your system, the 990 EVO Plus offers a compelling combination of speed, capacity, and reliability. However, the price point may be a barrier for some budget-conscious users. While the drive offers excellent value for its performance, it is more expensive than slower SATA SSDs. Consider your budget and storage needs carefully before making a purchase.
Competitor Analysis: How Does the 990 EVO Plus Stack Up?
The SSD market is fiercely competitive, with numerous manufacturers vying for market share. The Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2TB faces stiff competition from other high-performance NVMe drives, including models from Western Digital (WD), Crucial, and Kingston. When comparing the 990 EVO Plus to its competitors, it’s essential to consider factors such as performance, price, warranty, and features. In terms of performance, the 990 EVO Plus generally holds its own against its rivals. It consistently delivers impressive sequential read and write speeds, as well as excellent random access performance. However, some competitors may offer slightly higher peak performance in certain benchmarks. For example, some WD Black models might exhibit slightly faster sequential read speeds, while some Crucial drives might offer a more competitive price point.
Price is a crucial factor for many consumers. The 990 EVO Plus is typically priced competitively within the high-performance NVMe SSD market. However, prices can fluctuate depending on sales and promotions. It’s essential to compare prices from different retailers before making a purchase. Some competitors may offer similar performance at a lower price point, while others may offer higher performance at a premium price. The warranty is another important consideration. Samsung typically offers a limited warranty of 5 years or the specified TBW (Terabytes Written), whichever comes first. This warranty is fairly standard for high-performance SSDs. However, some competitors may offer longer warranties or higher TBW ratings. This can be a significant factor for users who plan to use the drive heavily or who are concerned about its long-term reliability.
Features also play a role in the buying decision. The 990 EVO Plus comes with Samsung’s Magician software, which provides a user-friendly interface for monitoring drive health, updating firmware, and optimizing performance. Some competitors offer similar software suites, while others do not. The availability of advanced features like hardware encryption and power loss protection can also differentiate between different models. Ultimately, the best SSD for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. The Samsung 990 EVO Plus offers a compelling combination of performance, features, and reliability, making it a strong contender in the high-performance NVMe SSD market. However, it’s essential to compare it to its competitors and consider your individual requirements before making a purchase. Always be on the lookout for deals on a high-performing SSD drive.
| SSD Drive | Sequential Read (MB/s) | Sequential Write (MB/s) | TBW | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2TB | Up to 7,450 | Up to 6,900 | 1,200 | 5 years or 1,200 TBW |
| WD Black SN850X 2TB | Up to 7,300 | Up to 6,600 | 1,200 | 5 years |
| Crucial P5 Plus 2TB | Up to 6,600 | Up to 5,000 | 1,200 | 5 years |
| Kingston KC3000 2TB | Up to 7,000 | Up to 7,000 | 1,600 | 5 years |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between an NVMe SSD and a SATA SSD?
NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) and SATA (Serial ATA) are different interfaces used for connecting SSDs to your computer. SATA is an older interface originally designed for hard disk drives, while NVMe is a newer, more advanced interface specifically designed for solid-state storage. The key difference lies in the performance. NVMe SSDs, like the Samsung 990 EVO Plus, utilize the PCIe bus, which offers significantly higher bandwidth compared to the SATA interface. This translates to much faster read and write speeds, resulting in quicker boot times, faster application loading, and improved overall system responsiveness. SATA SSDs, on the other hand, are limited by the SATA interface’s bandwidth, which is significantly lower than PCIe. In practical terms, NVMe SSDs can be several times faster than SATA SSDs. While SATA SSDs are still a viable option for budget-conscious users, NVMe SSDs offer a superior performance experience for demanding tasks and applications.
Is the Samsung 990 EVO Plus compatible with my motherboard?
Compatibility depends on your motherboard’s specifications. The Samsung 990 EVO Plus is a PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD, which means it requires a motherboard with an M.2 slot that supports PCIe Gen4. Most modern motherboards, especially those released in the past few years, will have at least one M.2 slot that supports PCIe Gen4. However, it’s essential to check your motherboard’s manual or manufacturer’s website to confirm compatibility. Look for specifications related to M.2 slots, NVMe support, and PCIe Gen4 compatibility. If your motherboard only supports PCIe Gen3, the 990 EVO Plus will still work, but it will be limited to PCIe Gen3 speeds, meaning you won’t be able to take full advantage of its performance potential. Older motherboards might not have an M.2 slot at all, in which case you’ll need to consider upgrading your motherboard to use the 990 EVO Plus.
How do I install the Samsung 990 EVO Plus in my computer?
Installing an NVMe SSD like the Samsung 990 EVO Plus is relatively straightforward, but it requires some basic computer knowledge. First, locate the M.2 slot on your motherboard. Refer to your motherboard’s manual if you’re unsure of its location. Typically, the M.2 slot is a small, horizontal slot near the CPU or chipset. Once you’ve located the M.2 slot, carefully insert the 990 EVO Plus into the slot at a slight angle. Then, gently push it down until it’s flush with the motherboard. Secure the drive in place with the small screw provided with your motherboard. Be careful not to overtighten the screw. After physically installing the drive, you’ll need to initialize it in your operating system. In Windows, you can do this by going to Disk Management and following the prompts to initialize the drive and create a new partition. Once the drive is initialized, you can then install your operating system or use it as a secondary storage drive.
Is the Samsung 990 EVO Plus worth the upgrade from a SATA SSD?
Whether the Samsung 990 EVO Plus is worth upgrading from a SATA SSD depends on your specific needs and usage patterns. If you’re a gamer, content creator, or professional who frequently works with large files or demanding applications, then the upgrade is definitely worth considering. The significantly faster read and write speeds of the 990 EVO Plus can dramatically reduce loading times, improve workflow, and enhance overall system responsiveness. You’ll experience noticeable improvements in boot times, application loading, file transfers, and rendering speeds. However, if you primarily use your computer for basic tasks like browsing the web, checking email, and word processing, the benefits of upgrading may be less noticeable. While you’ll still experience some improvement in speed and responsiveness, the difference may not be significant enough to justify the cost of the upgrade. Consider your budget and storage needs carefully before making a decision.
What is TBW (Terabytes Written) and why is it important?
TBW, or Terabytes Written, is a metric used to measure the endurance of an SSD. It represents the total amount of data that can be written to the drive before it’s expected to fail. For example, the Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2TB has a TBW rating of 1,200 TBW, meaning you can theoretically write 1,200 terabytes of data to the drive before it’s likely to fail. TBW is an important factor to consider when choosing an SSD, especially if you plan to use the drive heavily or for write-intensive workloads. A higher TBW rating indicates greater endurance and a longer lifespan. Most users won’t reach the TBW limit within the warranty period, but it’s still a good idea to choose a drive with a TBW rating that aligns with your expected usage. If you frequently write large amounts of data to your drive, such as recording video or backing up large files, you should consider a drive with a higher TBW rating.
Does the Samsung 990 EVO Plus support hardware encryption?
The Samsung 990 EVO Plus does support hardware encryption, specifically TCG Opal 2.0 and IEEE 1667. Hardware encryption is a security feature that encrypts data at the hardware level, providing an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access. With hardware encryption enabled, the data on the drive is encrypted using a dedicated encryption engine within the SSD controller. This encryption is transparent to the operating system and applications, meaning it doesn’t impact performance. To enable hardware encryption, you’ll typically need to use a compatible management tool or software. Samsung’s Magician software can be used to configure and manage hardware encryption on the 990 EVO Plus. Hardware encryption is a valuable feature for users who need to protect sensitive data, such as businesses, government agencies, and individuals who handle confidential information.
Will the price of the Samsung 990 EVO Plus be lower on Black Friday?
It is highly likely that the price of the Samsung 990 EVO Plus will be lower on Black Friday. Black Friday is known for significant discounts on a wide range of products, including electronics and computer components. SSDs, in particular, are often heavily discounted during Black Friday sales. Retailers typically offer substantial price reductions on popular SSD models to attract customers. It’s advisable to monitor prices leading up to Black Friday and compare deals from different retailers to ensure you’re getting the best possible price. Be aware of possible “doorbuster” deals that may have limited availability or be offered for a very short period of time. Also, be sure to check the product specifications closely to ensure that you are buying the specific model that you want, the 2TB version of the 990 EVO Plus.
Price: $176.99 - $119.99
(as of Sep 05, 2025 01:14:38 UTC – Details)
