The new SSD Samsung 980 for all

SSD 980. © Samsung.

Samsung introduced the SSD 980, an affordable NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD with TLC NAND storage and DRAM-free controller. Unlike Samsung’s previous SSDs, it isn’t strung with a three-letter suffix: neither PRO, nor EVO, nor even QVO. The 980 is touted as an accessible entry-level product, a segment of the SSD market where the manufacturer had little presence until recently as it preferred the “premium” level with its more comfortable profit margins. When it comes to performance, Samsung positions the SSD 980 as the successor to the 970 EVO. The 980 comes in 3 configurations: 250GB, 500GB, and 1TB, at 50, 70, and 130 USD respectively. The attractive price of the 1TB makes it a smart choice, especially since larger SSDs are faster, have better writing speeds, and more consistent performance. Even if you can’t see yourself using its full capacity, having the extra power of a 1TB SSD “just in case” is worth the price.

⇨ Ars Technica, Jim Salter, “New Samsung 980 SSD improves on 970 EVO, EVO Plus performance.”

⇨ AnandTech, Billy Tallis, “The Samsung SSD 980 (500GB & 1TB) Review: Samsung's Entry NVMe.”

2021-03-08