Showdown Of The Titans: Samsung Ssd 980 Vs 970 Evo – Which One Reigns Supreme?

With the rapid advancement of technology, storage devices have undergone significant transformations, leading to the development of solid-state drives (SSDs) as a reliable and high-performance alternative to traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). Among the leading manufacturers of SSDs, Samsung stands out with its innovative and cutting-edge products. In this blog post, we will compare two of Samsung’s popular SSD models, the Samsung SSD 980 and the Samsung SSD 970 EVO, to help you make an informed decision about which one is the best fit for your needs.

Speed and Performance

The Samsung SSD 980 and 970 EVO offer impressive speed and performance, but there are some key differences between the two models. The 980 boasts faster sequential read and write speeds, reaching up to 3,500 MB/s and 3,000 MB/s, respectively. On the other hand, the 970 EVO delivers sequential read and write speeds of up to 3,400 MB/s and 2,700 MB/s, respectively.

In terms of random read and write speeds, the 980 again takes the lead with speeds of up to 500,000 IOPS for both read and write operations. The 970 EVO, while still offering excellent random performance, falls slightly behind with speeds of up to 480,000 IOPS for reads and 430,000 IOPS for writes.

Capacity and Form Factor

Both the Samsung SSD 980 and 970 EVO are available in a range of capacities, catering to different storage requirements. The 980 comes in capacities of 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB, while the 970 EVO offers options of 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB as well.

Regarding the form factor, the 980 is available in both M.2 NVMe and SATA III interfaces, providing flexibility for various system configurations. The 970 EVO, on the other hand, is exclusively available in the M.2 NVMe form factor, which is becoming increasingly common in modern laptops and desktops.

Endurance and Reliability

Samsung’s SSDs are renowned for their endurance and reliability, and both the 980 and 970 EVO offer impressive longevity. The 980 boasts a mean time between failures (MTBF) of 1.5 million hours, while the 970 EVO has an MTBF of 1.2 million hours.

Additionally, both SSDs come with a limited warranty of 5 years, providing users with peace of mind knowing that their data is protected in case of any hardware issues.

Power Consumption and Thermal Management

When it comes to power consumption, the 980 and 970 EVO are both energy-efficient drives. The 980 consumes up to 5.6 watts during active use and 0.2 watts in idle mode, while the 970 EVO draws up to 5.5 watts during active use and 0.25 watts in idle mode.

Both SSDs also feature efficient thermal management systems to prevent overheating and maintain optimal performance. The 980 utilizes a dynamic thermal guard technology that adjusts performance based on temperature, while the 970 EVO employs a nickel-plated controller and heat spreader to dissipate heat effectively.

Software and Compatibility

Samsung provides comprehensive software support for both the 980 and 970 EVO SSDs. The Samsung Magician software suite offers a range of features, including drive health monitoring, performance optimization, firmware updates, and secure data erasure.

In terms of compatibility, both SSDs are widely compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. They are also backward compatible with older systems that support SATA III or M.2 NVMe interfaces.

Pricing and Availability

The Samsung SSD 980 and 970 EVO are both readily available in the market, with prices varying depending on the capacity and retailer. The 980 typically commands a slightly higher price than the 970 EVO due to its faster speeds and improved endurance.

Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, the choice between the Samsung SSD 980 and 970 EVO depends on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize blazing-fast speeds and exceptional endurance, the 980 is the way to go. However, if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option with still-impressive performance, the 970 EVO is a solid choice.

Beyond the Comparison: Additional Factors to Consider

Aside from the direct comparison between the 980 and 970 EVO, there are a few additional factors worth considering when selecting an SSD:

• Usage Scenario: Consider your primary usage scenario for the SSD. If you frequently work with large files, engage in intensive gaming, or require lightning-fast boot times, opting for a higher-performance SSD like the 980 may be beneficial.
• System Compatibility: Ensure that the chosen SSD is compatible with your system’s motherboard and available expansion slots. Verify the interface type (M.2 NVMe or SATA III) and make sure your system supports the SSD’s form factor.
• Budget: Set a budget before making your purchase. SSD prices can vary significantly based on capacity and performance levels. Determine how much you are willing to spend and choose an SSD that fits within your budget while meeting your performance requirements.

Questions You May Have

Q1: Which SSD is faster, the 980 or the 970 EVO?

A1: The Samsung SSD 980 offers faster sequential and random read and write speeds compared to the 970 EVO, making it the more performant choice.

Q2: Is the 980 more durable than the 970 EVO?

A2: Both the 980 and 970 EVO offer impressive endurance with MTBFs of 1.5 million hours and 1.2 million hours, respectively. However, the 980 has a slightly higher endurance rating, indicating a longer lifespan.

Q3: Which SSD is more energy-efficient, the 980 or the 970 EVO?

A3: The 980 and 970 EVO consume similar amounts of power during active use and idle mode. Both SSDs are energy-efficient and designed to minimize power consumption.