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Samsung 990 PRO 2TB Gen 4 M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD $198.97 Delivered @ Amazon UK via AU

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Long time user, first time poster!

Hope this helps some of you guys and please excuse any errors made. A bit cheaper than the Prime day deal at $218.57 found here.

Price History at C CamelCamelCamel.

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closed Comments

  • +9

    I want 4tb pleaseeee

    • +7

      Buy two of these, friend, you’ll get there!

      • +4

        and tape them together

      • Glue them together

    • Just as soon as i upgrade the SSD on my time machine to a Samsung 990 Pro 4TB, i'll bring a Samsung 990 4TB back for you.

  • +2

    You beat me to post this by a minute!

    A good deal I reckon!

  • +1

    This is cheaper then it was on prime day :) so good deal

    My question is whats the better deal??

    This Samsung 990 Pro 2TB or
    Corsair MP600 PRO XT 2TB for $199.09
    https://www.amazon.com.au/Sequential-High-Density-Aluminum-H…

    • +8

      Samsung 990 Pro 2TB

    • +2

      its not even a question, samsung pro all the way

  • +3

    This is the cheapest yet, I think.

    Just remember to check the version and upgrade the firmware:

    https://www.tomshardware.com/news/samsung-990-pro-firmware-u…

  • +7

    Just remember to grab the firmware update for these drives before you install/set it up due to the flaws Samsung addressed.

    Hopefully they come with the latest, I ordered a few and one was very old stock that needed the update, the other two were newer - but still had an update.

    • +1

      How do you update it before you install/set it up?

      • +3

        Samsung Magician will update the drive.

        • +4

          Thanks, I know there's software to update it, just wondering what they mean by "before you install/set it up" - does that mean before you put an OS on it? or before you install all your software and settings etc. in case the firmware update stuffs something up? Just curious for when I decide to buy one in the future

          • +1

            @johnnytran: Ah my apologies, I meant to say (ideally) before you install your OS on it.

    • They all come with the fixed firmware now.

      • Seriously? So we don't have to do anything?

        • Firmware was fixed about a year ago. They don’t sell drives with the original firmware any more.

          • @Skramit: The firmware that was troublesome was 0B2QJXD7, it was fixed in 1B2QJXD7 it was fixed in ~February 2023. I still managed to get older NVMEs from Amazon in May 2023 with the previous firmware.

            See DavidB from Samsung's forums answer it.

          • @Skramit: I would always definitely still check with Samsung magician, there is a tiny chance you get stock that's been sitting in a warehouse for over a year, but yeah most likely will ship with fixed firmware.

  • I saw a PNY 2tb gen 3 m.2 for around the $100 mark, is there much of a benefit paying twice the price for this gen 4?

    • +2

      If you want best OS drive yes.. if you want a general storage drive for files and games no

      Also.. always backup regardless of drive being used

    • +2

      As a counter argument. No there isn't much point. A decent ssd with dram even gen 3 will still be around 3gb/s with great iops and be plenty fast for an OS.

      Unless you know you have an extreme use case and can explain why you need 7gb/s+ then you probably don't need it.

      The upcoming directx io stuff may eventually make games assume fast SSDs and take advantage, but that's still not the case today. You can check benchmarks of SSD speeds effect on game loading, it's quite minor.

  • -2

    This was the deal. Better and cheaper than Samsung 990 Pro.

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/787772

    • +3

      Better price yes… but the 990 Pro is the better drive according to reviews
      https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/samsung-990-pro-ssd-rev…

      • That Toms Hardware review shows the SK hynix p41 is more power efficient. I don't get why they claimed it runs hotter in other reviews.

        • +1

          Because people sometimes just selectively read the bits they want to read when they want the SSD too much. Page 1 of Tom's Hardware's P41 review:

          Under Cons section, point number 1:

          • Runs Hot; no heatsink

          So why other reviews claimed it runs hot… because even Tom's Hardware reaches the same conclusion.

          Anyway, doesn't matter, pretty much all the popular flagships, they all have their weaknesses.

          • @netsurfer: But that review was made before the other high end Gen4 SSDs came out. They all run hot and require heat sinks and all the Gen5 ones definitely do and can crash without one.

            • -2

              @bjt: Stop making up weird excuses. You cannot compare PCIe gen 4 x4 SSDs with PCIe gen 5 x4 SSDs.

              • @netsurfer: But everyone IS making such a comparison, that's my point.

                When the SK Hynix P41 came out, they complained it ran hot.

                When the Samsung 990 Pro came out, they stopped complaining because it was normalised that high end Gen4s run hot.

                The 990 pro runs hot too, just possibly not as hot.

                • +1

                  @bjt: Please read Tom's Hardware review first before making things up. If what you said is true, then you are saying Tom's Hardware flat out lied in its page 1 of 990 Pro review. Under the Pros section, last point:

                  +Consistent, efficient, and cool

                  If you want to claim that Tom's Hardware is full of it in its 990 Pro's review, then I welcome you to provide evidence. In Tom's review on 990 Pro:

                  This is a significantly lower load temperature than with the bare SN850X and the Platinum P41. Our 2TB 990 Pro sample did not come with a heatsink and it is likely that a heatsink would lower temperatures considerably.

                  Please stop making things up.

                  • @netsurfer: Toms Hardware posts a lot of conflicting data in their reviews.

                    They're saying it runs cool because it only hit 70c - that's not running cool.

                    These SSDs aren't significantly different from each other.

                    • @bjt: Come on, the difference is 990 Pro, without heatsink is fine. P41 Platinum, get a heatsink.

                      • -2

                        @netsurfer: You need a heatsink for both.

                        • +2

                          @bjt: Read Tom's Hardware's review. The test Tom's Hardware did to test the thermal throttle, I really doubt most people will be doing that. The review basically indicated even that test did not manage to reach the SSD's first thermal throttle threshold point.

                          Stop making things up please.

                          • -1

                            @netsurfer: You really doubt what? C'mon now, rules for thee. The same test was done on the P41 and it went to a higher temperature that's all.

                            You know, Tom's hardware didn't test on the latest firmware either.

                            • -1

                              @bjt: You come on. Tom's Hardware told you on page 1 P41 has thermal throttle issue, so did many other reviews. It also indicates 990 Pro is more consistent and runs cooler. Do you even know which component is struggling with the heat? If you want, ask SK Hynix to release a new firmware that slows P41 down so reduce heat. That's basically why P41 did well.

                              Stop making things up. It's common sense. Samsung is shrewd. Do you think Samsung is dumb enough to release 990 Pro knowing all reviewer would be doing thermal test. Besides, if you know what 990 Pro is all about, if 990 Pro is really bad in thermal, then Samsung will be in big trouble with its PCIe gen 5 x4 offering.

                              • -1

                                @netsurfer: They've all got thermal throttling issues.

                                They stopped testing the 990 pro at 1.6TB and called it a day.

                                Samsung are shrewd? They released the SSD with health issues.

                        • @bjt: I wouldn't pay the difference for this model with a heatsink though unless its a reasonably small increase.

                          I'm running a cheap Jeyi Aluminium finned heatsink from AliExpress from one of their $5 sales. Their included thermal pad worked well and on my Lexar NM790 on my Gigabyte X570I, I got a 25C drop (from 74C full load to 49C full load) because I removed the top label (bottom label has warranty info, top label was thick cloth tape) and applied the thermal pad directly to the memory modules and controllers with the heatsink on top. This drive shows up as $399 from some shops for the 2tb with heatsink, you're better off just buying the drive at this price without a heatsink and getting a decent heatsink from AliExpress. Even a Thermalright nvme heatsink would be cheap from AliExpress. As long as the top label on this drive is thin enough you won't need to remove it.

    • +2

      Might be wrong but that deal may not return for awhile, given that they'd never discounted before that. Although there are some new distributors.

      https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hlds-to-sell-sk-hyn…

    • From notebookcheck review for P41 Platinum:

      After a couple of minutes, however, transfer rates would cycle between 3500 MB/s and 6800 MB/s as the drive struggles to keep temperature at comfortable levels. We're able to record a maximum temperature of 93 C (!) on the ASIC controller when performance was throttling.

      So while the lower power usage is good, its temperature isn't that great. So far, with flagship PCIe gen 4 x4 SSDs, weaknesses and issues will be found, it's just a matter of time. Alternatively, buy less common SSDs so less people and less review (to numb your brain).

      • That probably goes for the other high end PCIE4 ssds going into a laptop too, this review shows the P41 is more power efficient:

        https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/samsung-990-pro-ssd-rev…

        I think the difference is Samsung throttle at lower temperatures - I find my T7s certainly do.

        • Isn't that the excuse most people use to get P41, more power efficient. I already mentioned P41 appears to be more power efficient. However, it is once again relative. Is SSD really the component that takes the largest amount of power usage in a laptop?

          Please provide info on 990 Pro reaching higher temp and throttling at a lower temperature. I doubt T7 really throttles much. However, T7 uses cost effective grade TLC NAND (so its sustained write may struggle, even against T5). If you care about write speed, T7 Shield is much better. If you don't and mostly use T7 for reads, USB 3.2 gen 2, I find it hard to believe it throttles a lot.

          • @netsurfer: The P31 was known for power efficiency. Not so much the P41.

            Power efficiency would correlate with cooler temperatures.

            The P41 seems to go to higher temperatures than the 990 pro.

            • @bjt: Let's not switch topic, I was responding to the P41 deal in the comment earlier. P41 performs better anyway. Besides, if P41 is used within a desktop, just get a heatsink. SSD heatsinks are dirt cheap nowadays.

              • @netsurfer: They all need heatsinks and better case airflow.

                • @bjt: As mentioned above, read Tom's Hardware.

                  If you own a P41 Platinum and you are happy with it, that's great. However, please don't make things up. It's common sense. Newer products could be better in some aspects. You need to know what SK Hynix did to P41 Platinum. Honestly, most people get P41 Platinum because of some of its performance aspects. Power usage is merely the icing on the cake. If you missed the thermal part, it is not a big issue because I doubt most people will run into thermal throttle situation (even on P41) a lot. Heatsink is a good idea for P41 Platinum (just stop people thinking about it).

                  990 Pro has issues too, but let's not make up fake news. There are good aspects of P41 Platinum and honestly, power efficiency is such a minor plus point of P41 Platinum, so if all you care is that, then you miss all the real goodies of P41.

                  • @netsurfer: Toms hardware:

                    We also tested temperatures to see how effective Samsung’s thermal optimizations work in practice. The drive idled around 40C - 36C by sensor, 45C by IR gun - which is well within reason. Over 1.6TB of writes saw the drive reaching around 72C which is comfortably below the first throttling point. This is a significantly lower load temperature than with the bare SN850X and the Platinum P41. Our 2TB 990 Pro sample did not come with a heatsink and it is likely that a heatsink would lower temperatures considerably.

                    Also Toms Hardware:

                    The 1TB Platinum P41 idled around 40-45C, measured by SMART and temperature gun, eventually reaching over 80C after we nearly filled the drive with an extended write workload. The drive began to throttle at around 80C, but the write speeds were still high. However, throttling became more serious at 82C+. This is not a realistic workload, but it does indicate a heatsink might be a good addition, particularly in warmer environments.

                    1.6TB isn't "nearly filling the drive".

                    They had the same IR gun idle temperature but wrote different things.

                    • +2

                      @bjt: 80% fill. Do you know why? Because Tom's Hardware uses IOMeter. You want to enlighten us how to use IOMeter to do a 100% fill and exactly 100%?

                      10 degree difference. That's a lot. Just accept the facts, SK Hynix pushed the SSD harder to get top the benchmark at the time. 990 Pro has plenty of time to look at other makers offering. What's so special about P41 Platinum? It's a bit dated AND we are all waiting for SK Hynix's PCIe gen 5 x4 since SK Hynix has already announced its rather interesting NAND.

                      You are assuming 990 Pro uses the same core as 980 Pro, but clearly it is a different one. You still haven't realised why Samsung did. 10 degrees cooler with lower latency than P41. Think about it. It's a product released after P41.

                      Hint: SK Hynix is withholding its trump card for its PCIe gen 5 x4 SSDs. It didn't see a need to use it on P41.

                      And I re-quote notebookcheck's review on P41:

                      After a couple of minutes, however, transfer rates would cycle between 3500 MB/s and 6800 MB/s as the drive struggles to keep temperature at comfortable levels. We're able to record a maximum temperature of 93 C (!) on the ASIC controller when performance was throttling.

                      • @netsurfer: The 990 pro came out way late and had bugs and we're still waiting for Samsungs Gen5 offering that was promised.

                        I don't think Hynix pushed the temperature, I think they designed it with motherboard heatsinks in mind.

                        Latency measurements depend on how you test it, in some cases the P41 is better and these aren't near as good as a cheap optane drive anyway.

                        Toms hardware, you haven't explained why they almost filled the P41s drive.

                        After a couple of minutes, however, transfer rates would cycle between 3500 MB/s and 6800 MB/s as the drive struggles to keep temperature at comfortable levels. We're able to record a maximum temperature of 93 C (!) on the ASIC controller when performance was throttling.

                        A simpler explanation here is they filled the cache. They all do this.

                        • @bjt: Stop making things up please. I already explained it multiple times. There is no free lunch. SK Hynix pushed the controller because it has to, against Phison at the time.

                          For Samsung, there is a bit of Samsung vs TSMC going on and for SSDs, latest gen fabrication is not needed. Surely Samsung would be able to come up with something better.

                          A simpler explanation here is they filled the cache. They all do this.

                          Once again, you are making things up. To fill the SLC cache for P41 (213GB for 2TB), only need to write about 12%. Furthermore, we know P41 and 990 Pro both don't do aggressive foldback write immediately. So, if after filling the SLC cache and without doing foldback write, you are saying SSDs would struggle, then you really don't know SSD.

                      • @netsurfer: Why did you choose notebookcheck anyway?

                        For the 990 they write:

                        The heat development remains in place: our endurance test with DiskSpd (shown below in the first diagram) shows that the SSD gets hot. Here, the transfer rate repeatedly drops to just under 3000 MB/s, although such a load will rarely occur in practice.

                        We measured with the infrared thermometer (Ridgid micro IR-200) and found almost 90 °C surface temperature, as expected. In contrast, it was never more than 60 °C in the more realistic write and copy tests. Thus, the small glued heat sink really seems to be sufficient. However, the other components, such as the graphics card and CPU, were less stressed in the test and accordingly did not contribute to further heating. An additional heat spreader would not hurt in any case.

                        • +1

                          @bjt: So, for 990 Pro, notebookcheck used endurance test (which is a write stress test, and we know SSD temperature goes up much higher in writes).

                          The issue with P41 is this:

                          To stress the drive, we would run our DiskSpd read loop test lasting for nearly 10 minutes and note any performance dips over time. Our graph below shows that read rates would start out very high at ~6800 MB/s to be close to the advertised 7000 MB/s target. After a couple of minutes, however, transfer rates would cycle between 3500 MB/s and 6800 MB/s as the drive struggles to keep temperature at comfortable levels. We're able to record a maximum temperature of 93 C (!) on the ASIC controller when performance was throttling.

                          The reviews obviously need to push the SSD to reach thermal throttle, but for P41 Platinum, a read based test is enough to cause that to happen. That's disappointing. However, personally, I am cynical about it, a read based test can cause it to throttle is hard to believe.

                          Look at the 2 charts yourself, when 990 Pro dips, it dips for a short period of time and comes back up. When P41 dips, it spends most time in 3500 and merely jumps back to 6650 a couple of times for a brief moment. You tell me which one is struggling with thermal.

                          I didn't pick notebookcheck for any particular reason, when I googled for a P41 review, with my search terms, Google returned that review first.

                          I do not recommend 990 Pro due to its infamous firmware glitch. However, I disagree with overhyping P41 as well. While I get the appeal of P41, its thermal isn't great (but that's not an issue in a desktop where you can simply solve it with a heatsink which costs less than $10). Clearly, P41 cheats a bit more.

                          Most people won't stress P41 with a max out read loop test for long period of time so please view those reviews as reviewers doing their jobs and finding thermal protection points of the SSD. Most people spend more time using apps or playing games. RAM being used more. It's good to know P41's strengths and weaknesses, that's all. P41 is really an overkill for most people.

                          • @netsurfer: Why not this review?

                            https://www.techpowerup.com/review/sk-hynix-platinum-p41-2-t…

                            I've not seen this issue, anyway.

                            I'm not hyping up the p41, I just find issues with the reviews, they sensationalize too much.

                            I've got both drives, they're running the same, the hynix are RAID0 though.

                            • @bjt: Because of 2 things:

                              1. When looking for thermal throttle, we want to see reviews which achieved it.
                              2. TechPowerUp doesn't test it the same way. It uses a more general test (i.e. their objective isn't looking at how it under thermal protection).

                              Guessing notebookcheck might have tested it with notebook type condition.

                              Once again, you are ignoring bits which shown thermal issue. The controller temperature doesn't look that great in sustained write test.

                              I am willing to run tests which show the ugly side of SSDs and I like to know the weaknesses of the SSDs. I know the tests which make both 990 Pro and P41 Platinum look awful. Both SSDs cheat a lot to be honest. It's just 99% of customers don't push their SSDs hard.

                              • @netsurfer: I'm not ignoring the bits that show thermal issues, but I'm a bit sceptical of the repeatability of the results in these reviews, given they all get different results.

                                Most of the reviews I read, concluded that the differences between these Gen4 SSDs is minimal. I agree.

                                • @bjt: For most people, PCIe gen 4 x4 SSDs are overkill. In majority of cases, as they are under utilised, people won't be able to spot their weaknesses.

                                  P41's thermal is below average. It basically comes down to your usage pattern. SSDs are dirt cheap so buying flagship PCIe gen 4 x4 is no big deal. However, statements such as after 990 Pro, reviewers just assume thermal throttle is the norm is a load of misinformation. If people only want to read positive reports on their SSDs, that's fine. The reality is that these SSDs are overhyped.

                                  • @netsurfer: I'm not finding that.

                                    • @bjt: Because you are not able to push your P41 to its limit.

                                      If you love your P41 RAID0 setup so much, do this, take out RAM modules on your PC, lower your PC's total RAM to 8GB and run applications so that you have to use virtual memory. Then, you can really enjoy the pain of virtual memory using SSDs. Make sure you use 8GB+ worth of virtual memory. Do that for a couple of months and enjoy P41's TBW being used up / utilised.

                                      Anyway, I doubt you would even run a full drive write test on your RAID0 setup.

                                      • @netsurfer: I use an optane drive for swap space.

                                        • @bjt: Most likely under utilised as well. With your setup, your PC would be using RAM most of the time (I don't believe you would have insufficient RAM). I doubt you have Intel Optane SSD DC P5800X.

                                          Actually, prove it, take a photo of your PC with RAID 0 P41 + 990 Pro + Optane.

                                          • -1

                                            @netsurfer: I don't have a p5800x, I dont need one.

                                            For swap-space even a p1600x is better than a 990 pro or P41, why would you pagefile swap to these SSDs?

                                            It's not just about longevity, their latencies are terrible, the 990 pro is an inconsequential improvement, and in some cases worse.

                                            I think you are missing the point about the 990 vs p41. People are NOT choosing the 990 due to firmware issues, so they choose the p41.

  • Nice, but don’t think Samsung have international warranty and will not cover this being from the UK right?

    • From what I've read from experiences of warranty claims on OzBargain, Samsung will can refuse warranty if the serial number of the SSD doesn't match a locally sourced batch. At best Amazon will give you 2 years warranty. In two years these will be cheaper and the need for higher capacity will start to come into the picture too. All in all I decided to buy my 980 Pro 2tb from Samsung directly at a higher price for warranty reasons.

  • What is the difference between this 2TB one from Amazon UK deal (model # MZ-V9P2T0BW, connectivity technology: SATA) and the 1TB from the previous Amazon US deal $133.26 (model # MZ-V9P2T0BW/AM, connectivity technology: NVMe)?
    Are they interchangeable?

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/791008

    • +1

      The all time low for 990 Pro 1TB was $56: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/789468

      Generally, the 2TB version is better optimised as it has more cell blocks, larger pSLC cache and able to take advantage of 8 channels controller better in some cases. However, 990 Pro has the infamous health rating sharp drop issue and while Samsung released a firmware, some people are still cynical about that firmware fix.

    • Possibly the firmware is latest in the AUS stock, although unlikely this is a difference.

    • If you must get one now and Amazon UK and Amazon US prices are the same, you might prefer Amazon UK at the moment. I find Amazon US very slow at posting items. I purchased an item sold by Amazon US 3 days earlier than Amazon UK, Amazon UK one posted much earlier and already reach AUS custom, Amazon US item is still in California.

      For Samsung SSDs, warranty service has to go back to Amazon AU for these international ones. Samsung AU won't do the warranty for them.

      • @netsurfer I am looking for a 1tb drive for my Dell latitude 7390 laptop, I think the specs say maximum -PCIe Gen3 8Gb/s but am not sure. What would you recommend at the moment?

        There are so many drives now and features - Dram, TLC, SLC dynamic cache, it gives me a headache.
        Looking for something that won't run hot, will last as long as possible and will run OS with Virtual machines also. I have been put off Samsung with the recent problems. I would value your opinion.

        • +1

          It's a laptop with 8th gen Intel CPU right? Also, I assume you are comfortable opening the laptop.

          Right now, good PCIe gen 3 x4 SSDs are expensive. If you must get one, then maybe WD SN570 2TB ($145 - Amazon). I know it is DRAMless (and uses HMB), but it has a large initial dynamic SLC cache (close to 900GB). It runs reasonably cool. 970 Evo Plus 2TB - no discount at the moment so not worth it. I don't recommend SN570 1TB version because that version has a relatively small dynamic SLC cache.

          CS1031 2TB for $109 is tempting: https://www.centrecom.com.au/pny-cs1031-2tb-m2-nvme-ssd. However, it is Centrecom (after sales service is average at best… honestly, Centrecom's after sale service is sloooooow). Also, there is component lottery on CS1031.

          My suggestion is not to overspend on upgrading that laptop so wait for a good TLC based SSDs. You can go for PCIe gen 4 x4 SSDs as long as the price is really good. SN570 2TB for $145 isn't that great in today's standard… so if you can wait.. maybe wait for a proper bargain SSD deal.

          • @netsurfer: Thank you for the reply, yes it is i7 1.90GHz 8th gen and I have opened the laptop. :)
            I was also surprised that the gen 3 drives were so expensive compared to the gen 4. From what I read it's OK to put the gen 4 into my laptop so that is an option.

            Because of this I think I will go for a gen 4 drive, It may be better if I upgrade for the future anyhow.
            What would you recommend in the gen 4 that are available now?
            Heat is something I would like to avoid in these drives as I think it does damage to them.
            From what I read above I should look for -
            TLC based SSD and large initial dynamic SLC cache.
            From reading I see these are on ozbargain quite a bit.
            Kingston kc3000
            Western Digital Black SN850X
            Samsung 9xx (this one I want to avoid)
            In fact I see this one just came up and I am tempted-
            https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/791274

      • I had an opposite experience. I ordered three Samsung SSDs this month (two was from Amazon US and the other one was from Amazon UK). Both Amazon US ones shipped so fast and arrived within eight days. The one from Amazon UK also shipped fast but it took around 13 days to arrive. The delivery was late so Amazon refunded me the full amount of the SSD and let me keep it.

  • This or WD SN850X w/ heatsink from Amazon US for $204?

    • Each flagship PCIe gen 4 x4 SSD is optimised differently, so it comes down to what you are after. If you care about writes, then SN850X is probably better. Reads and lower latency, 990 Pro is better.

      With both SSDs, upgrade firmware to the latest right away (unless you happened to receive one that has the latest firmware already). SSD price is trending downward and there will be better deals. 1TB 990 Pro was on special for $56. However, SSD makers know people want 2TB and 4TB SSDs (so they are not doing fire sale on those as often).

      • Well, half the people who tried to buy the $56 one had their orders cancelled lol (inc me :).

        • yeah, it was weird. For that deal, Amazon UK initially didn't want to accept AUS customers for that deal, but later started accepting.

    • its $188 on amazon w/o heatsink
      https://www.amazon.com.au/Western-Digital-Black-SN850X-NVMe/…

      Thats what I bought. The $10 PCIe card I got to run it has a heatsink already.

  • Is that correct that the NVMe connectivity technology is faster than SATA one (this one)?

    • +1

      That's a typo on the listing, 990 Pro is NVMe, not SATA.

  • I still have a 980pro on order that they havent sent from Prime day deal…

    • Really? If it’s late then you can ask them for a refund.

    • Same here. I think they already lost mine. Amazon said I can ask for a refund and repurchase for the same price. But which one would be better? 980 Pro w/ Heatsink for $167.07 or this 990 Pro w/o heatsink for $198.97?

      • Mine just happen to ship recently but will see what we get this time, last time they sent the wrong product and I had to return for refund. Hope I dont get a repeat incident, havent had the best run of luck on Amazon US lately…

        Read speeds between the two are about the same, write speed is about 2GB higher on the 990 but the main difference is double the I/O speed which is useful for lots of smaller files. Out of the box the 980pro with heatsink would perform better but the 990 with heatsink would be better overall.

        Day to day usage I doubt you'd notice the difference between a run-of-the-mill SATA SSD or any NVME, its only with synthetic benchmarks you can highlight the actual (small?) differences between all the products.

        • Hmm. I have to decide if I should spend the extra $31.9 to get the 990 Pro without a heatsink and maybe install a heatsink afterwards.

          I'm more concerned in future proofing. I won't really maximise the performance of either of them right now but maybe in the future when I change my setup.

          • +1

            @u24: They are both PCIe 4.0 so picking one over the other for future proofing is irrelevant.
            It’s not changing your set up will maximise their performance, it’s more to do with your use case. Like if your use case never transfer or write large amounts of data (eg video editing), you will never utilise their full speed potential and you will not notice the difference.

            If your other deciding factor is the included heat sink, then pick the one that is more of a bargain without a heat sink as third party heat sinks are cheap (like $10-$20) and many motherboards nowadays come included with one.

            If you use the SSD as an external drive and in an enclosure, that’s even an easier decision. Pick one that is the cheapest without a heat sink and get a heat sink/thermal tape separately as the SSD with a factory heat sink might not fit in the enclosure.

          • +1

            @u24: 990 Pro is worth the $31.9.

            Think of the Samsung 990 Pro as in its the best NVME SSD ever made to date… Even beating the Gen5 drives that are out at the moment in overall rating

            https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-ssds,3891.html

            • +1

              @vid_ghost: The Crucial T700 is the fastest drive in the review. The 990 Pro did not beat the Gen5 drive (namely, the T700 in the review). It’s just price-performance ratio wise, it is more sensible to get the 990 Pro over the T700 or other current PCIe 5.0 SSDs for the following reasons:

              • Early adopter tax of PCIe 5.0 drive
              • Need motherboard upgrade to support full PCIe 5.0 speed
              • Small performance gains
              • Incoming competition from major SSD manufacturers

              The Samsung 990 Pro is not without its problems and yes, I am talking about the rapidly declining health issue and yes, I know they have already released a firmware fix months ago but Samsung hasn’t been transparent about what really caused the problem and what exactly did they do to fix it. Was it really an issue with the chip? Was it just some error in the code to reset the counter? Or this firmware fix is just merely some code to mask the real problem in the hardware. We’ll know for sure in 1-2 years time to see the true durability of these 990 Pro drives.

              • @FrugalNotStingy: I'm not sure the 990 Pro is reliable.. but i have 4X 1TB 980 Pro's all still have 100% life left according to SMART drive info in the Samsung software

  • I ordered the same SSD a couple of weeks ago and it was manufactured in June so these should be fresh stock.

  • +1

    thanks just bought

    now need a cheap 4tb ssd or sub $150 2tb

    • Prime day just passed; too early for Black Friday

      • prime deals were lacklustre anyway
        so it can only get better from here

        • +1

          now need a cheap 4tb ssd or sub $150 2tb

          Western Digital Black SN850X M.2 NVMe SSD 2TB $147.81

          Can't remember whether that's a prime day deal. If you don't chase after PCIe gen 4 x4, $109 for 2TB is possible.

          4TB $229 was the record (for local deal), but that's QLC.

          • @netsurfer: That was an insane price for the 850X. Good for me, I dont need one and can wait. Next jump is 4TB 850X probably early next year.

          • @netsurfer: i only need it for a gameboot drive as the 990 will be OS drive

            so 3x4 and qlc should be enough

            not sure if dram cache i need tho

            what was the $109 deal you are referring to? id pay a bit more for 4tb if possible

            • @furythree: PNY CS1031 2TB M.2 NVMe SSD - $109.

              However:

              • Component lottery. You don't know which NAND you will get.
              • Centrecom got lots of those SSDs for months now. So, my guess is if Centrecom were to get another few boxes of these now or later, price could be even lower.
              • DRAMless, TLC… but as mentioned above, NAND lottery….

              4TB, the local record low is $229. That's QLC though.

              • @netsurfer: i was eyeing 250 mark so 229 for bottom of barrel 4tb feels like the time to buy is when they hit $200

  • -2

    Think I'll just grab the WD black with heatsink for $204.

  • Quick question; what's going to be the best bang for buck/cheapest nvme drive for an external drive?

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