Intel Ssd 660p Vs Samsung 980 Pro: Battle Of The Ssd Titans

In the realm of high-performance storage, NVMe SSDs have emerged as the new standard, offering blazing-fast read and write speeds that leave traditional SATA SSDs in the dust. Among the top contenders in this arena are the Intel SSD 660p and the Samsung 980 Pro, two NVMe SSDs that promise exceptional performance for both everyday users and demanding professionals. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Intel SSD 660p against the Samsung 980 Pro, examining their key features, performance metrics, and overall value to determine which one deserves a place in your system.

Performance: Speed and Responsiveness

When it comes to NVMe SSDs, performance is paramount. Both the Intel SSD 660p and the Samsung 980 Pro deliver impressive speeds, but there are some notable differences. The Samsung 980 Pro boasts sequential read speeds of up to 7,000 MB/s and write speeds of up to 5,000 MB/s, making it one of the fastest NVMe SSDs on the market. The Intel SSD 660p, while still speedy, offers sequential read and write speeds of up to 1,800 MB/s and 1,000 MB/s, respectively.

In real-world usage, the Samsung 980 Pro’s superior speeds translate to noticeably faster boot times, application launches, and file transfers. For tasks that involve large amounts of data, such as video editing or gaming, the 980 Pro’s extra speed can make a significant difference. However, for everyday tasks like browsing the web or checking email, the Intel SSD 660p’s speeds are more than adequate.

Endurance and Reliability: Built to Last

When choosing an NVMe SSD, endurance and reliability are crucial factors to consider. Both the Intel SSD 660p and the Samsung 980 Pro offer solid endurance ratings, ensuring that they can withstand the rigors of everyday use. The Intel SSD 660p has a rated endurance of 200 terabytes written (TBW) per 1 terabyte (TB) of capacity, while the Samsung 980 Pro offers a slightly higher endurance rating of 600 TBW per TB.

In terms of reliability, both SSDs come with a 5-year limited warranty, providing peace of mind and protection against defects. However, the Samsung 980 Pro’s higher endurance rating suggests that it may have a longer lifespan than the Intel SSD 660p.

Capacity: How Much Storage Do You Need?

When it comes to capacity, both the Intel SSD 660p and the Samsung 980 Pro offer a range of options to suit different needs and budgets. The Intel SSD 660p is available in capacities ranging from 250GB to 2TB, while the Samsung 980 Pro offers capacities from 250GB to 2TB as well.

The amount of storage you need depends on your specific usage patterns. If you primarily use your computer for basic tasks like browsing the web, checking email, and creating documents, a 250GB or 500GB SSD may be sufficient. However, if you work with large files, such as videos, photos, or CAD drawings, you may want to opt for a higher capacity SSD, such as a 1TB or 2TB model.

Form Factor: M.2 vs 2.5-inch

Both the Intel SSD 660p and the Samsung 980 Pro come in the M.2 form factor, which is a compact and versatile design that fits directly into a compatible motherboard slot. M.2 SSDs are ideal for laptops and small form-factor PCs where space is at a premium.

If you have a desktop computer with a traditional 2.5-inch drive bay, you’ll need to purchase an adapter to install an M.2 SSD. However, most modern motherboards have at least one M.2 slot, making them the preferred choice for most users.

Price: Which SSD Offers the Best Value?

Price is always a key consideration when choosing a storage device. The Intel SSD 660p is generally more affordable than the Samsung 980 Pro, especially in the lower capacities. For example, a 500GB Intel SSD 660p can be purchased for around $60, while a 500GB Samsung 980 Pro costs around $80.

The price difference becomes more significant as you move up in capacity. A 2TB Intel SSD 660p can be found for around $200, while a 2TB Samsung 980 Pro will set you back around $250.

Which SSD Is Right for You?

Ultimately, the best NVMe SSD for you depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for an affordable NVMe SSD with solid performance and endurance, the Intel SSD 660p is a great choice. However, if you demand the absolute best in terms of speed, endurance, and reliability, the Samsung 980 Pro is worth the extra investment.

Alternatives to Consider: A Broader Perspective

In addition to the Intel SSD 660p and the Samsung 980 Pro, there are several other excellent NVMe SSDs on the market that deserve consideration. Here are a few alternatives to keep in mind:

• WD Black SN750 NVMe SSD: The WD Black SN750 is a high-performance NVMe SSD that offers speeds comparable to the Samsung 980 Pro. It’s available in capacities ranging from 250GB to 2TB and comes with a 5-year limited warranty.

• Crucial P5 NVMe SSD: The Crucial P5 is another solid NVMe SSD option that delivers fast speeds and good endurance. It’s available in capacities ranging from 250GB to 2TB and comes with a 5-year limited warranty.

• Sabrent Rocket NVMe SSD: The Sabrent Rocket is a budget-friendly NVMe SSD that offers good performance for the price. It’s available in capacities ranging from 250GB to 4TB and comes with a 5-year limited warranty.

Beyond the Comparison: The NVMe SSD Landscape

The Intel SSD 660p and the Samsung 980 Pro are just two examples of the many excellent NVMe SSDs available today. With so many options to choose from, it’s important to consider your specific needs and budget before making a decision.

Here are a few additional factors to keep in mind when choosing an NVMe SSD:

• Interface: NVMe SSDs come in two main interface types: PCIe 3.0 and PCIe 4.0. PCIe 4.0 is the latest and fastest interface, but it’s only supported by newer motherboards. If you have an older motherboard, you’ll need to choose a PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD.

• Cache: NVMe SSDs use a combination of DRAM and SLC (single-level cell) NAND flash memory to improve performance. DRAM cache is faster but more expensive, while SLC NAND flash is slower but more affordable. The amount of DRAM cache and SLC NAND flash in an NVMe SSD can affect its performance and price.

• Warranty: Most NVMe SSDs come with a limited warranty of 3 to 5 years. The warranty period can vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific model.

Frequently Asked Questions: Unraveling Common Queries

Q: Which NVMe SSD is better for gaming, the Intel SSD 660p or the Samsung 980 Pro?

A: The Samsung 980 Pro is the better choice for gaming due to its faster speeds and higher endurance. The 980 Pro’s superior performance can result in faster load times and smoother gameplay.

Q: Can I use an NVMe SSD as my boot drive?

A: Yes, you can use an NVMe SSD as your boot drive. In fact, NVMe SSDs are ideal for boot drives because they offer significantly faster boot times than traditional SATA SSDs and hard disk drives.

Q: How do I install an NVMe SSD in my computer?

A: Installing an NVMe SSD is relatively easy. Simply find an available M.2 slot on your motherboard and insert the SSD. Make sure to secure the SSD with the provided screw. If you’re installing an NVMe SSD in a desktop computer, you may need to purchase an adapter to fit the SSD into a 2.5-inch drive bay.