Samsung 980 PRO SSD 2TB PCIe NVMe Gen 4 Gaming M.2 Internal Solid State Drive Memory Card, Maximum Speed, Thermal Control MZ-V8P2T0B/AM
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AI Verdict
A 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD with 7,000 MB/s read speeds, built for hardcore gamers and demanding users needing fast storage.
This 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD delivers 7,000 MB/s read speeds, making it a strong fit for demanding users. Its M.2 2280 form factor and thermal control features are well-suited for high-performance desktops and laptops, including PS5 consoles with an added heatsink.
If you need even faster sustained write performance and better power efficiency, look for drives with newer controllers and higher endurance ratings like the Samsung 990 Pro.
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Pros
- Achieves 7,000 MB/s sequential read and 5,000 MB/s sequential write speeds.
- Offers 2TB capacity, providing ample space for large game libraries and heavy applications.
- The M.2 2280 form factor allows for easy installation in compatible desktops and laptops.
- Features nickel coating on the controller and a heat spreader label for thermal management.
- Broadly compatible with PCIe 3.0 systems and suitable for PS5 storage expansion (with an added heatsink).
- Samsung Magician software provides tools for drive management, performance monitoring, and firmware updates.
Cons
- Can run warm, with users reporting temperatures above 50°C in demanding scenarios or without an additional heatsink.
- Some early units experienced firmware issues that could affect performance or drive longevity.
- Uses 3-bit TLC NAND flash, which some enthusiasts consider a step down from the MLC found in older 'Pro' series drives.
- Reports exist of difficulties encountered during the warranty claim process.
- Exhibits slower sustained write speeds compared to newer Gen4 drives like the Samsung 990 Pro.
Dimension Scores
Achieves 7,000 MB/s sequential read and 5,000 MB/s sequential write speeds, pushing PCIe 4.0 limits.
Features 1200 TBW endurance for the 2TB model and nickel coating for thermal control, but some early firmware issues and warranty claim difficulties were reported.
The 2TB capacity is ample for large game libraries and heavy applications, fitting high-end user needs.
Works with PCIe 4.0 and 3.0 systems, and is a popular choice for PS5 expansion (with heatsink).
Best For
- Hardcore gamers seeking significantly faster game loading times.
- Tech-savvy users running heavy-duty applications such as graphics rendering and data analytics.
- PS5 owners looking to expand their console's internal storage (requires a separate heatsink).
- Building high-performance computing systems that can fully utilize PCIe 4.0 bandwidth.
Not Recommended For
- Users with only PCIe 3.0 slots who do not plan to upgrade, as the drive will not reach its maximum advertised speeds.
- Budget-conscious builders who do not require 7,000 MB/s read speeds and can opt for less expensive alternatives.
- Systems with poor internal airflow or no M.2 heatsink, unless an aftermarket heatsink is installed.
Watch Out For
- Runs warm; users report temperatures above 50°C in slots above the primary GPU without a heatsink, potentially leading to thermal throttling.
- Some early units experienced firmware issues that could lead to performance degradation or drive failure, requiring updates.
- Warranty claims have been reported as difficult by some users, adding a layer of complexity if issues arise.
- Requires a separate heatsink for optimal performance and thermal management when installed in a PS5, as recommended by Sony.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B08RK2SR23 |
| Brand | Samsung |
| Color | Black |
| Series | 2TB |
| Hard Drive | 2 TB Solid State Hard Drive |
| Item Weight | 1.92 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Samsung |
| Flash Memory Size | 2 |
| Hardware Platform | PC |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Item model number | MZ-V8P2T0B |
| Compatible Devices | Laptop, Mac, PC |
| Product Dimensions | 0.87 x 3.15 x 0.94 inches |
| Hard Disk Interface | PCIE x 4 |
| Hard Drive Interface | PCIE x 4 |
| Hard Disk Description | Solid State Hard Drive |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 2280 Inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 0.87 x 3.15 x 0.94 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | PCIe Gen 4x4 |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 2 TB |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
Many users are blown away by the speed, reporting 7,000 MB/s read and 5,200 MB/s write speeds with Samsung Magician software. While it's a popular choice for PS5 expansion, some users discovered it can run warm, especially without an added heatsink, leading to concerns about sustained performance. Early firmware issues also caused headaches for some, though these seem largely resolved. The 2TB capacity is a big win for storing extensive game libraries.
“Dude, this thing is FAST, my games load instantly now, but seriously, get a heatsink if you're gonna push it, my PS5 was getting toasty without one.”
Common Praise
- Game loading times are significantly reduced, making gameplay feel much faster.
- Installation is straightforward in both desktop PCs and laptops.
- Samsung Magician software is simple to use for drive management and monitoring.
- Provides ample 2TB storage for extensive game libraries and large files.
- Performance benchmarks consistently show high read/write speeds.
Common Complaints
- Can run hot, particularly when installed in motherboard slots above the GPU without a heatsink, potentially causing throttling.
- Some users experienced initial firmware problems that affected drive stability and performance.
- Reports of challenging warranty claim processes have surfaced.
- Not as power-efficient or as fast in sustained writes as newer Gen4 drives like the 990 Pro.
Ownership Tips
- Performance can degrade if the drive gets too hot, so active cooling or a heatsink is crucial for sustained heavy loads.
- Checking for and applying the latest firmware updates via Samsung Magician is important for maintaining stability and optimal performance.
- Monitoring drive temperature with software like HWMonitor or Samsung Magician is a good practice to prevent thermal throttling.
- While compatible with PCIe 3.0, you won't see the advertised 7,000 MB/s speeds, so ensure your system supports PCIe 4.0 for full potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this SSD compatible with PCIe 3.0?
Yes, the 980 PRO is compatible with PCIe 3.0, but it will operate at PCIe 3.0 speeds, not its maximum 7,000 MB/s sequential read speed.
Do I need a heatsink for this SSD?
While it has nickel coating for thermal control, users report it can run warm, especially in demanding applications or a PS5, where a separate heatsink is recommended for stable performance.
What is the lifespan of this SSD?
The 2TB model has an endurance rating of 1200 TBW (Terabytes Written), meaning it's designed to handle 1200 terabytes of data written over its lifetime.
Can I use this in a PS5?
Yes, it works well in a PS5, but Sony recommends adding a heatsink for optimal thermal management and sustained performance.
Does it come with software for managing the drive?
Yes, Samsung provides Magician software for monitoring drive health, performance, and applying firmware updates.
Buying Guide
When picking an NVMe SSD, you're looking for speed and capacity. This drive uses PCIe 4.0, which means it can transfer data way faster than older PCIe 3.0 drives, but your motherboard needs to support PCIe 4.0 to get those top speeds. Capacity is straightforward: 2TB is a lot for games and big files, but if you're just storing documents, you might not need this much.
PCIe 4.0 interface
Think of it like a highway; PCIe 4.0 is a wider, faster highway than PCIe 3.0, letting data (your games, files) travel much quicker to and from the drive, resulting in faster loading and transfer times.
7,000 MB/s sequential read speed
This is how fast the drive can pull large, continuous files (like a game level) off the storage. A higher number means less waiting for things to load, making your system feel snappier.
M.2 2280 form factor
This describes the physical size of the SSD, like a stick of gum. It's important because your motherboard needs to have an M.2 slot of this specific size for the drive to physically fit and connect.
Alternatives
If you need even higher sustained write performance or better thermal efficiency for continuous heavy workloads, look for drives with newer generation controllers and higher endurance ratings. If your system only supports PCIe 3.0, consider a high-end PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD to save some money without sacrificing too much real-world speed.
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