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Samsung 980 Pro 2TB Review: 8.0/10 - Lightning-Fast Storage

8.0/10

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Overview

The Samsung 980 Pro 2TB is a high-performance 2TB SSD from Samsung with PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe interface. With sequential read speeds of 7000 MB/s and write speeds of 5000 MB/s, it delivers cutting-edge performance for demanding workloads like gaming, content creation, and data-intensive applications. Powered by Samsung’s in-house Elpis controller and 136-layer V-NAND TLC flash, it offers an endurance rating of 1200 TBW backed by a 5-year warranty. Key competitors include the WD Black SN850X and Crucial P5 Plus, both of which offer similar PCIe 4.0 performance at comparable price points.

Design & Build

The Samsung 980 Pro 2TB is a M.2 2280 SSD built to the highest quality standards. Its compact form factor makes it compatible with most modern laptops and desktops that support PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe drives. The single-sided NAND design ensures compatibility with thin-and-light laptops where space is at a premium.

Performance

The Samsung 980 Pro 2TB delivers outstanding performance with sequential read speeds of 7000 MB/s and write speeds of 5000 MB/s. Random IO performance is excellent, making it ideal for both everyday computing and demanding workloads like video editing, 3D rendering, and game loading. The PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe interface ensures full bandwidth for sustained transfers.

Features

Blazing Speeds: With sequential reads of 7000 MB/s and writes of 5000 MB/s, this SSD dramatically reduces load times and file transfer durations.

Elpis Controller: Samsung’s proprietary Elpis controller is built on an 8nm process with a three-core Cortex-R8 CPU, delivering superior random IO performance and efficient NVMe 1.3c protocol handling for sustained throughput.

V-NAND Technology: The 136-layer (6th-gen) V-NAND TLC flash memory provides high-density storage with excellent program/erase endurance and power efficiency, contributing to the drive’s 1200 TBW (terabytes written) endurance rating.

Reliability: Backed by a 5 years warranty and rated for 1200 TBW total endurance, the drive is built with high-quality NAND flash and a robust controller for long-term dependability.

Pros

  • Blazing-fast speeds: 7000 MB/s read, 5000 MB/s write via PCIe 4.0
  • Samsung Elpis controller delivers excellent random IO performance
  • 1200 TBW endurance rating with 5-year warranty for long-term reliability
  • Reliable 5 years warranty for peace of mind

Cons

  • Premium pricing compared to direct competitors
  • Heatsink not included for optimal thermal performance
  • 1200 TBW rating trails behind some premium alternatives like the WD Black SN850X (1500 TBW)

Verdict

The Samsung 980 Pro 2TB earns a solid recommendation for its quality and feature set. It stands as a strong competitor in the storage category, offering a well-balanced package that will satisfy most users. While it may not lead the pack in every category, it delivers where it counts and represents good value for its price point.

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Sources

Where to Buy

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We may earn a commission if you purchase through links on this site, at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As an eBay Partner Network (EPN) affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Technical Specifications

Capacity 2TB
Interface PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe
Controller Samsung Elpis
NAND Samsung V-NAND (136-layer TLC)
Read 7000 MB/s
Write 5000 MB/s
TBW 1200 TBW
Form M.2 2280
Warranty 5 years