Summary
- The Samsung 990 uses a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface and the NVMe 2.0 protocol
- It delivers sequential read speeds of up to 7,250 MB/s and write speeds of up to 6,450 MB/s
- It is available in 1TB and 2TB capacities
- Endurance is rated at 400 TBW and 800 TBW, respectively
- It supports AES 256-bit, TCG Opal 2.0, and Microsoft eDrive encryption
Samsung has introduced the new 990, a PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD designed to combine high performance, low power consumption, and versatility.
The new Samsung 990 is available in 1TB and 2TB capacities, uses the M.2 2280 form factor, and delivers sequential read speeds of up to 7,250 MB/s and write speeds of up to 6,450 MB/s.
The announcement is noteworthy because Samsung is expanding its established 990 lineup with a model that aims to balance speed, capacity, and cost for applications including gaming, large-file processing, and everyday productivity.
PCIe 4.0 performance
The Samsung 990 uses a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface and supports the NVMe 2.0 protocol. According to the available specifications, it can reach up to 850,000 random read IOPS and 1,200,000 random write IOPS.
These figures place it in the upper segment of PCIe 4.0 SSDs, although it does not move to the newer and more demanding PCIe 5.0 platform.
V-NAND and Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0
The drive is built with Samsung V-NAND memory and an in-house controller developed by the company. Instead of dedicated DRAM, it uses Host Memory Buffer technology, which reserves part of the system memory for data management.
Samsung’s Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0 technology also creates a faster temporary write area, helping the SSD maintain higher performance during file transfers and demanding workloads.
Power consumption and endurance
Samsung lists operating power consumption starting at 4.3 watts or lower, depending on the workload and usage conditions. This could be important for laptops, where energy efficiency and heat output affect battery life and system stability.
The 1TB model is rated for 400 TBW, while the 2TB version reaches 800 TBW. TBW represents the total amount of data that can be written to the drive during its expected service life.
Encryption support
The new SSD supports several data-protection standards, including AES 256-bit, TCG Opal 2.0, and Microsoft eDrive based on the IEEE 1667 standard.
These capabilities are particularly useful for professional systems and laptops handling sensitive information.
Capacities and prices
The Samsung 990 is offered in 1TB and 2TB versions. In the US market, B&H has listed the 1TB model at $269.99 and the 2TB version at $529.99.
These initial prices are notably high for the PCIe 4.0 category, so it remains to be seen how they will develop after wider availability and the introduction of early discounts.
What we think
The Samsung 990 appears to be a strong option for users seeking high PCIe 4.0 speeds, efficient power consumption, and solid endurance. However, its initial prices will need to fall considerably for the drive to become truly competitive against established alternatives already available on the market.
Frequently asked questions
Which capacities are available for the Samsung 990?
The new SSD is available in 1TB and 2TB capacities.
What are its maximum speeds?
Sequential read speeds reach up to 7,250 MB/s, while sequential write speeds reach up to 6,450 MB/s.
Is it compatible with PCIe 5.0 systems?
It can operate in a compatible M.2 slot on a PCIe 5.0 system, but its performance remains limited to the PCIe 4.0 x4 specification.
Does it have dedicated DRAM?
The Samsung 990 uses Host Memory Buffer technology, relying on part of the system RAM instead of dedicated DRAM installed on the SSD.
What is its write endurance?
The 1TB version is rated at 400 TBW, while the 2TB model is rated at 800 TBW.
