When we compare solid-state drives (SSDs) like the Samsung 980 and the Samsung 970 EVO Plus, we’re looking at two of the industry’s competitive offerings aimed at tech enthusiasts and professional users who demand high-performance storage solutions. The 970 EVO Plus carved out a significant space in the market with its noteworthy speed and reliability when it was first launched. On the other hand, the Samsung 980 emerged as a compelling successor, promising further enhancements in efficiency and performance.
Our exploration into these storage devices reveals some key differences. The Samsung 980 offers competitive 4K random read speed, but the 970 EVO Plus takes the lead in 4K random write speed by a notable margin. This performance metric is crucial for users who deal with large files and require rapid write operations. The absence of a DRAM cache in the Samsung 980 indicates a shift in Samsung’s approach to balancing cost with performance. Utilizing Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology, the 980 still ensures responsiveness for everyday applications.
We must acknowledge that while the sequential read speeds are similar, the sequential write speed does see a dip from the 970 EVO Plus to the 980. Both drives showcase Samsung’s commitment to quality, but the differentiation lies in their approach to storing and retrieving data. Whether you are an avid gamer, a creative professional, or simply looking for an upgrade, understanding these nuanced distinctions between the Samsung 980 and the Samsung 970 EVO Plus can guide you to the SSD that best fits your specific needs.
Technical Specifications
Comparing the Samsung 980 and 970 EVO Plus SSDs requires a look into their specific technical specs. We’ll see how NAND technology, performance metrics, and durability make these storage solutions different.
Storage Technology
Performance Metrics
| Specification | 970 EVO Plus | 980 |
| Interface | PCIe Gen 3.0 x4, NVMe 1.3 | PCIe Gen 3.0 x4, NVMe 1.4 |
| Sequential Read | Up to 3500 MB/s | Up to 3500 MB/s |
| Sequential Write | Up to 3300 MB/s | Up to 3000 MB/s |
| Random Read (IOPS) | Up to 600K | Up to 500K |
| Random Write (IOPS) | Up to 550K | Up to 480K |
Durability and Endurance
Performance Comparison
In evaluating the Samsung 970 EVO and the 980, we focus on how these two SSDs stack up in different performance areas. Specifically, we’ll look into their read/write speeds and how they perform in real-world scenarios.
Read/Write Speed Analysis
When we look at the sequential read and write speeds, the 970 EVO consistently exhibits strong performance, with its latest iteration pushing the boundaries further. In terms of raw numbers, it boasts a sequential read speed that is competitive within its market segment and a write speed that is robust for various tasks. On the other hand, the 980 also showcases impressive speeds, often outperforming the 970 EVO in sequential read tasks.
| Specification | 970 EVO | 980 |
| Sequential Read | Up to 3,500 MB/s | Up to 3,500 MB/s |
| Sequential Write | Up to 2,500 MB/s | Varies with capacity |
For random read/write speeds, the situation can be much more nuanced. The IOPS (input/output operations per second) are a critical measure here, indicating the speed at which each drive can perform smaller, more random tasks.
Real-World Benchmarks
When transitioning from synthetic benchmarks to real-world applications, we see how these drives manage under common user scenarios like gaming, content creation, and everyday computing. The 980 is designed to excel in responsiveness and maintains a small edge over its predecessor in running common applications. Our interest in real-world benchmarks is not just about the theoretical maximum speeds, but how the SSDs sustain performance under load over time.
PassMark Benchmark, a popular tool for gauging performance, reflects these findings with the 980 sometimes pulling ahead in mixed IO tests. Yet, what ultimately matters to us is how these SSDs will improve our daily computer interactions and in that area, both drives demonstrate competent capabilities.
Price and Value
In evaluating the Samsung 980 and 970 EVO SSDs, it’s crucial to consider both their price and the value they offer. The decision often boils down to the balance between performance and cost.
Cost-Effectiveness Assessment
When assessing the cost-effectiveness of the Samsung 980 and 970 EVO Plus, we must look at their respective prices and how these relate to their performance. As it stands, the Samsung 970 EVO Plus 1TB tends to be priced slightly higher than the Samsung 980 1TB. However, this difference in cost is often justified by the 970 EVO Plus’s superior write speeds and the presence of a DRAM cache.
- Samsung 970 EVO Plus 1TB: Higher price
- Samsung 980 1TB: Lower price
The 980, while cheaper, boasts better read speeds in certain contexts. Our choice depends on specific needs: if faster write speeds and a DRAM cache are essential, then the 970 EVO Plus might be worth the extra cost. Conversely, for read-centric tasks, the 980 becomes an attractive, more cost-effective choice.
Alternative Options
Other market alternatives, such as the Sabrent Rocket, should also be considered. This SSD offers competitive performance at a price point that often undercuts both Samsung models. It’s essential to compare the cost per gigabyte and the performance characteristics of these drives. Users should conduct a comparative analysis based on their storage needs to discern the most financially sensible option.
| SSD Model | Price (1TB approx.) | Notable Feature |
| Samsung 970 EVO Plus | Higher | DRAM Cache |
| Samsung 980 | Lower | Cost-Effective |
| Sabrent Rocket | Competitive | Great Value |
Evaluating price and value involves looking beyond sticker prices to understand each SSD’s strengths and how they align with our usage. We do this to ensure we’re not overpaying for features we don’t need, or conversely, not underinvesting in a drive that doesn’t meet our performance expectations.
Consumer Insights
In this section, we look closely at what users have to say about their experiences with the Samsung 980 and 970 EVO, as well as examine the reliability and warranty offers for both products.
User Reviews and Feedback
Reliability and Warranty
| Attribute | Samsung 980 | Samsung 970 EVO Plus |
| MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) | 1.5 Million Hours | 1.5 Million Hours |
| Terabytes Written (TBW) | Varies by capacity | Varies by capacity |
| Endurance Rating | High | High |
| Warranty Period | 5 Years | 5 Years |
Both SSDs come with a robust 5-year warranty and share a mean time between failure (MTBF) of 1.5 million hours, emphasizing Samsung’s trust in their durability. The terabytes written (TBW) figure varies by the capacity of the SSD, but each series offers a high endurance rating, indicating they are built to last under typical workloads. Our assessment of this data, paired with the feedback from users, cements our confidence in the reliability of both the Samsung 980 and 970 EVO Plus.