Samsung has recently unveiled its latest lineup of SSDs, the 990 Evo Plus family, featuring a 5nm controller that promises 45% faster speeds compared to its predecessors. While the tech industry eagerly anticipates the release of Samsung’s retail SSDs with a PCIe Gen5 interface, the company has decided to refresh its PCIe Gen4 drives with the new Evo Plus family.
The 990 Evo Plus family will be available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB configurations. These drives boast impressive sequential read/write speeds of up to 7,250/6,300 MB/s and random read/write speeds of up to 1,050K/1,400K IOPS. The performance of these SSDs is significantly faster than the original 990 Evo offerings, making them a solid option for users looking for enhanced processing speeds and expanded storage capacity.
The 990 Evo Plus SSDs utilize Samsung’s 8th Generation V-NAND (3D TLC NAND) and a DRAM-less controller manufactured using a 5nm-class process technology. The controller, which is NVMe 2.0 compliant, is covered with a nickel heatspreader and connects to the host using a PCIe 4.0 x4 or PCIe 5.0 x2 interface. This combination delivers performance that falls within the PCIe Gen4 ballpark, offering a balance of speed and efficiency.
In terms of security features, the 990 Evo Plus drives support AES 256-bit full drive encryption and TCG/Opal 2.0 capabilities, ensuring data protection and privacy. Samsung’s 990 Evo Plus SSDs come with a five-year limited warranty and a total bytes written (TBW) ranging from 600TB to 2400TB, depending on the specific SKU.
The 990 Evo Plus family is designed to cater to both laptop and desktop PC users who demand high-performance storage solutions. These SSDs are positioned as an alternative to the flagship 990 Pro drives, offering comparable performance at a lower price point. The inclusion of a 4TB model in the Evo Plus lineup addresses the need for increased storage capacity, making it a versatile choice for various computing needs.
Specifications and Pricing
The 990 Evo Plus SSDs come in a compact M.2 2280 form factor, featuring a single-sided design for easy installation in compatible systems. The drives support PCIe 4.0 x4 or 5.0 x2 interfaces and NVMe 2.0 protocol, ensuring seamless connectivity and compatibility with a wide range of devices.
As for pricing, the 1TB version of the 990 Evo Plus is available at a recommended retail price of $109.99, while the 2TB version is priced at $184.99 and the 4TB version at $344.99. However, consumers can already find these SSDs at prices below the suggested retail price at select retailers. For example, Walmart is offering the 1TB 990 Evo Plus SSD for $79.99, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious shoppers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Samsung’s 990 Evo Plus SSDs offer a compelling combination of performance, reliability, and affordability. With faster speeds, expanded storage capacity, and robust security features, these drives are well-suited for users seeking an upgrade to their current storage solutions. The Evo Plus family’s 5nm controller and advanced technology ensure efficient data transfer and enhanced user experience. As Samsung continues to innovate in the SSD market, the 990 Evo Plus stands out as a solid choice for both casual and power users alike.