Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD 2TB, PCIe Gen 4x4, Gen 5x2 M.2 2280, Speeds Up-to 7,250 MB/s, Upgrade Storage for PC/Laptops, HMB Technology and Intelligent Turbowrite 2.0, (MZ-V9S2T0B/AM)
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AI Verdict
This 2TB M.2 2280 SSD offers up to 7,250/6,300MB/s sequential speeds with PCIe 4.0 x4 and 5.0 x2 compatibility, but it's DRAMless.
This 2TB M.2 2280 SSD is a situational fit, offering high sequential read/write speeds up to 7,250/6,300MB/s and PCIe 5.0 x2 compatibility for systems that can leverage it. However, its DRAMless design and potential for thermal throttling without a heatsink limit its sustained performance for demanding tasks.
If sustained write performance is critical, look for SSDs with dedicated DRAM cache.
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Pros
- Sequential read speeds reach up to 7,250 MB/s.
- Sequential write speeds reach up to 6,300 MB/s.
- Compatible with both PCIe 4.0 x4 and PCIe 5.0 x2 interfaces.
- Features a nickel-coated controller for thermal efficiency.
- Includes Magician Software for firmware updates and drive health monitoring.
- Rated for 1200 TBW endurance with a 5-year limited warranty.
Cons
- DRAMless design can lead to significant drops in sustained write speeds after cache is filled, down to approximately 1750 MB/s.
- Real-world PCIe 4.0 x4 speeds often hit around 6550 MB/s read and 5770 MB/s write, not consistently reaching advertised maximums.
- Requires additional cooling, such as a motherboard heatsink, to maintain optimal temperatures under load.
- Performance in consistency tests can be lower than some other drives, including the non-Plus 990 EVO.
Dimension Scores
Advertised sequential speeds are up to 7,250/6,300MB/s, but real-world PCIe 4.0 x4 benchmarks show speeds closer to 6550/5770 MB/s, and sustained write speeds drop significantly due to DRAMless design.
Features a 1200 TBW endurance rating for the 2TB model and a 5-year limited warranty.
2TB is a substantial capacity for most users, suitable for operating systems, applications, and a large game library.
Supports both PCIe 4.0 x4 and PCIe 5.0 x2 interfaces, offering broad compatibility with current and newer systems.
Best For
- Users upgrading to a PCIe 5.0 x2 compatible system.
- Systems needing high burst read speeds for loading games or applications.
- Laptops and small form factor PCs due to M.2 2280 size and power efficiency.
Not Recommended For
- Workloads requiring sustained, heavy write operations, like large video editing.
- Users expecting consistent peak performance without additional heatsink.
- Professional users where absolute top-tier, sustained performance is critical.
Watch Out For
- Sustained write speeds can drop to approximately 1750 MB/s once the Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0 cache is exhausted.
- Without a motherboard heatsink, temperatures can exceed 100°C on an open test bench during intense benchmarks.
- Despite PCIe 5.0 x2 compatibility, some benchmarks show PCIe 4.0 x4 performance around 6550 MB/s read and 5770 MB/s write, not the full advertised 7,250 MB/s.
- The 2TB model has a single NAND chip, which some reviewers suggest can limit performance compared to drives with multiple NAND chips.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0DHLCRF91 |
| Brand | Samsung |
| Color | Black |
| Series | 990 EVO Plus |
| Hard Drive | 2 TB Solid State Drive |
| Item Weight | 0.317 ounces |
| Manufacturer | SAMSUNG |
| Special Feature | Backward Compatible |
| Hardware Platform | PC |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Item model number | MZ-V9S2T0B/AM |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, Laptop |
| Product Dimensions | 3.2 x 0.9 x 0.1 inches |
| Hard Disk Interface | Solid State |
| Hard Drive Interface | Solid State |
| Hard Disk Description | Solid State Drive |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 2.5 Inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 3.2 x 0.9 x 0.1 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | NVMe |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 2 TB |
What Buyers Say
Reviewers frequently highlight the 990 EVO Plus's hybrid PCIe 4.0 x4 and 5.0 x2 compatibility as a forward-looking feature, though actual performance gains on PCIe 5.0 x2 are often limited to read speeds. A recurring point is its DRAMless architecture, which, while contributing to power efficiency, causes a noticeable drop in write speeds during prolonged transfers, sometimes down to 1750 MB/s. Thermal management is also a concern, with some tests showing high temperatures without a dedicated heatsink.
“Man, I bought this thinking it would be crazy fast on my new Gen 5 board, and yeah, reads are quick, but transferring my huge game library took forever after the first few gigs, it just crawled. Should've checked if it had DRAM.”
Common Praise
- High sequential read speeds, especially when utilizing PCIe 5.0 x2.
- Power efficiency due to the nickel-coated controller.
- Broad compatibility with both PCIe Gen 4 and Gen 5 systems.
- Included Magician Software for drive management and updates.
Common Complaints
- Sustained write performance drops significantly after the cache is full.
- Requires a heatsink for optimal thermal performance under heavy load.
- Real-world PCIe 4.0 x4 speeds don't always reach advertised maximums.
- Performance in consistency tests can be lower than some other drives.
Ownership Tips
- The drive can get hot quickly during large file transfers without a heatsink.
- Initial burst speeds are very fast, but performance degrades on large, continuous writes.
- Magician software is useful for monitoring drive health and updating firmware.
- Installation is straightforward, and some reviewers noted it comes with M.2 screws.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the maximum read and write speeds?
The 990 EVO Plus offers sequential read speeds up to 7,250 MB/s and sequential write speeds up to 6,300 MB/s.
Is this SSD compatible with PCIe Gen 5?
Yes, it is compatible with PCIe 5.0 x2, as well as PCIe 4.0 x4.
Does it come with a heatsink?
The product description and feature highlights do not mention an included heatsink. Reviewers suggest it benefits from motherboard heatsinks.
What is the endurance rating for the 2TB model?
The 2TB model has an endurance rating of 1200 TBW (Terabytes Written).
Can I use this in a laptop?
Yes, its M.2 2280 form factor makes it suitable for both desktops and laptops.
What is 'DRAMless' and how does it affect performance?
A DRAMless SSD uses Host Memory Buffer (HMB) instead of dedicated DRAM. This can lead to lower sustained write speeds once the drive's cache is full.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at an SSD like this, you need to think about what you're actually doing with it. Sequential speeds are what you see on the box, great for loading games or big files once. But if you're constantly moving huge amounts of data, like editing 4K video, the 'sustained' write speed after the cache fills up is what matters more. Also, check if your motherboard has a heatsink for the M.2 slot, because this drive will benefit from it.
PCIe Gen 4x4, Gen 5x2
This tells you how fast the drive can talk to your computer. Gen 5x2 is newer and faster than Gen 4x4, but your motherboard needs to support it to get those speeds. It's like having a faster highway, but your car (motherboard) needs to be able to drive on it.
DRAMless
This means the SSD doesn't have a small, fast memory chip (DRAM) to manage its data. Instead, it borrows some of your computer's main memory (RAM). This saves cost and power, but for very large, continuous writes, it can slow down significantly once its internal cache is full. Think of it like a small, fast temporary storage area that gets overwhelmed.
Sequential Read/Write Speeds (e.g., 7,250/6,300MB/s)
These are the maximum speeds for reading or writing data in a continuous stream, like copying a single, very large file. These numbers are usually what manufacturers advertise and are important for initial loading times.
Alternatives
If you need consistent, top-tier sustained write performance for professional tasks, look for SSDs with dedicated DRAM cache and higher PCIe lane counts (e.g., Gen 4x4 or Gen 5x4).
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