SAMSUNG 990 EVO Plus SSD 2TB – My Go-To for Lightning-Fast PC Upgrades!
Why I Picked This Product
As a computer technician, I’m always on the hunt for components that balance performance, reliability, and value. When a client came to me needing a storage upgrade for their aging gaming PC, I knew I wanted something that could handle heavy workloads without breaking the bank. The SAMSUNG 990 EVO Plus SSD 2TB caught my eye for its blazing-fast speeds, PCIe 4.0 compatibility, and Samsung’s reputation for rock-solid drives. I was also curious to test its Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0 technology in a real-world build, so I grabbed one to see if it lived up to the hype.
My Take on the Product
What’s This Product All About?
The SAMSUNG 990 EVO Plus SSD 2TB is an M.2 2280 NVMe SSD designed for PCs and laptops, offering a sweet spot of performance and capacity. It supports both PCIe Gen 4×4 and Gen 5×2 interfaces, delivering sequential read speeds up to 7,250 MB/s and write speeds up to 6,300 MB/s (depending on your system’s configuration). With 2TB of storage, it’s perfect for gamers, content creators, or anyone needing to store large files like 4K videos or massive game libraries.
Key features include:
- Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0: Boosts write performance by using a dynamic SLC buffer, ideal for handling large file transfers.
- HMB Technology: Leverages your system’s DRAM for faster data processing, making this DRAM-less SSD surprisingly snappy.
- Nickel-Coated Controller: Improves thermal efficiency, keeping the drive cool during intense workloads.
- Samsung Magician Software: Offers firmware updates, drive health monitoring, and encryption options to keep your SSD in top shape.
- Power Efficiency: Uses up to 73% less power per MB/s compared to previous models, which is great for laptops or energy-conscious builds.
This SSD is built for modern systems supporting PCIe 4.0 or 5.0, though you’ll need to check your motherboard’s specs to maximize its potential (more on that later). It’s a versatile upgrade for anyone looking to supercharge their PC or laptop’s performance.
What I Loved
- Blazing-Fast Performance: The 990 EVO Plus delivers on its promise of high speeds. In my tests, it shaved seconds off game load times and made transferring large video files a breeze. For tech enthusiasts, those 7,250 MB/s read speeds are a game-changer for multitasking or running demanding apps.
- Thermal Efficiency: The nickel-coated controller keeps temperatures in check, even during marathon gaming sessions or heavy file transfers. I didn’t need an extra heatsink for my client’s build, which saved me some hassle.
- Easy Installation: The M.2 2280 form factor fits seamlessly into most modern motherboards and laptops. It took me less than five minutes to install, and the Samsung Magician Software made setup and optimization a snap.
- Reliability and Support: Samsung’s five-year warranty and Magician Software give me peace of mind. I’ve used their drives for years, and their consistent firmware updates keep performance rock-solid.
What Could Be Better
- PCIe Compatibility Check Required: While the SSD supports both PCIe 4.0 and 5.0, you’ll only hit peak speeds with a compatible motherboard. I wish Samsung included a clearer guide for non-techies to check their system’s PCIe support, but a quick visit to Intel or AMD’s website sorts this out.
- Price for Budget Builders: At its price point, the 2TB model is a premium choice. For budget-conscious users, a 1TB version or the standard 990 EVO might be more affordable, but you get what you pay for with this level of performance.
More Tech Favorites from Amazon
As a tech geek always hunting for reliable gear, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite PC and laptop components on Amazon. These pair well with the 990 EVO Plus for a killer build or upgrade. Check them out and shop through my links to support my reviews!
How It Stacks Up
Compared to other NVMe SSDs like the Western Digital SN850X or Crucial T700, the 990 EVO Plus stands out for its balance of speed, efficiency, and price. The SN850X hits similar read speeds (up to 7,300 MB/s), but the 990 EVO Plus’s thermal efficiency and Samsung’s software ecosystem give it an edge for long-term reliability. The Crucial T700 boasts higher speeds (up to 11,700 MB/s), but it’s pricier and overkill for most users. For my client’s gaming rig, the 990 EVO Plus offered the best bang for the buck without sacrificing performance.
My Experience with It
Last month, a client brought me their aging gaming PC, which was struggling with long load times and stuttering in modern titles like Cyberpunk 2077. Their old SATA SSD just wasn’t cutting it. I decided to upgrade them to the SAMSUNG 990 EVO Plus SSD 2TB to give their system a serious boost. Installation was a breeze – I popped the M.2 drive into their PCIe 4.0-compatible motherboard, secured it, and used Samsung Magician to optimize the firmware. After cloning their old drive, I ran some benchmarks, and the results were night and day: boot times dropped from 30 seconds to under 10, and game load screens were practically nonexistent. My client was thrilled, and I’ve since recommended this SSD for other builds. It’s become my go-to for clients who need speed and reliability without fuss.
Why You Should Check It Out
If you’re after a fast, reliable, and efficient storage upgrade for your PC or laptop, the SAMSUNG 990 EVO Plus SSD 2TB is worth a look. It’s a fantastic choice for gamers, content creators, or tech enthusiasts like me who want top-tier performance without the premium price tag of some competitors. Grab it on Amazon through my link for the best deal, and let me know how it transforms your setup!
