The newly launched Samsung M.2-2280 SSD 990 enters the market with capacities of 1TB and 2TB, utilizing the widely adopted PCI Express 4.0 ×4 and NVMe 2.0 interfaces. Samsung continues to use its Piccolo controller, which features four NAND channels, similar to the previous 990 Evo model. Notably, the SSD 990 lacks a dedicated DRAM cache and instead relies on Host Memory Buffer technology. The manufacturer claims up to 38% higher energy efficiency compared to the 990 Pro, based on sequential transfer rates per watt rather than sheer power consumption.
Key Features of the SSD 990
| Manufacturer Specs | SSD 990 (1TB) | SSD 990 (2TB) |
|---|---|---|
| Model Number | MZ-V9V1T0BW | MZ-V9V2T0BW |
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 | M.2 2280 |
| Interface | PCI Express 4.0 ×4, NVMe 2.0 | PCI Express 4.0 ×4, NVMe 2.0 |
| Controller | Samsung’s Piccolo | Samsung’s Piccolo |
| DRAM Cache | None, Host Memory Buffer | None, Host Memory Buffer |
| NAND Type | Samsung V-NAND | Samsung V-NAND |
| Sequential Read | Up to 7,150MB/s | Up to 7,250MB/s |
| Sequential Write | Up to 6,450MB/s | Up to 6,450MB/s |
| Random Read | Up to 700,000 IOPS | Up to 850,000 IOPS |
| Random Write | Up to 1.1 million IOPS | Up to 1.2 million IOPS |
| Write Endurance | 400 TBW | 800 TBW |
| Warranty | Three Years or until TBW Limit | Three Years or until TBW Limit |
| Price | Approx. €250 | Approx. €515 |
| Launch Date | July 14, 2026 | July 14, 2026 |
Typically, SSDs in a series display slightly improved speed in the higher capacity models, explaining the nuances in Samsung’s performance metrics. The 2TB version boasts a reading speed of up to 7,250MB/s compared to 7,150MB/s of its smaller counterpart, while both models share a writing speed cap of 6,450MB/s, pushing them close to the limits of PCI Express 4.0 ×4 capabilities. Technically speaking, the SSD 990 emerges as a rather conventional product, emphasizing evolutionary enhancements rather than revolutionary advancements. Its increased efficiency particularly benefits laptops and handheld devices, especially in terms of reduced heat output and cooling requirements. Historically, Samsung SSDs excel in multimedia performance while often landing in the mid-range of their respective performance categories in other areas.
Assessment: Unjustifiable Pricing for Consumers
The core issue with this storage release isn’t its technology but rather the exorbitant prices alongside misleading advertising. Samsung has set the MSRP at approximately €260 for the 1TB model and €515 for the 2TB variant, dubbing them as “affordably versatile all-round SSDs” and claiming a “strong price-performance focus.” From a consumer perspective, especially in the current economic climate, these prices are patently absurd. For a DRAM-less PCIe 4.0 SSD with a three-year warranty, a price tag around half that amount would be more justified.
Better Alternatives at Similar Prices
For about €520, one could instead opt for the Crucial T710, offering a staggering 4TB of capacity and 2GB of DRAM. At nearly the same price, this option boasts double the storage, PCI Express 5.0 support, and speeds of up to 14,500MB/s—truly a high-end SSD. Within the price range of the 1TB version, one might consider the Kioxia Exceria Plus G4 at about €240, which achieves speeds of up to 10,000MB/s and also utilizes PCIe 5.0 technology. The primary advantage of Samsung’s SSD 990 is its energy efficiency, which plays a minor role in typical gaming and application scenarios. Thus, Samsung’s claim of attractive price-performance ratios stands out as a bitter milestone in the current storage crisis, bordering on a satirical commentary on the hardware market.
For further insights and comparisons on SSDs, please refer to our SSD buying guide.
