Looking Beyond the Samsung 970 EVO Plus 500GB? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look
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The Samsung 970 EVO Plus 500GB NVMe M.2 SSD remains a dependable baseline for PCIe 3.0 systems. If you are looking beyond the samsung 970 evo plus SSD alternatives, you likely need specs that this drive does not offer. Its 3,500 MB/s read speed and 500GB capacity serve many users well, but others require more storage or faster interfaces.
This list covers 6 options chosen because their specifications overlap with the original while addressing different needs. You might need the 2TB capacity of the Patriot P400 for a PS5 upgrade. A budget-conscious gamer may prefer the WD_BLACK SN770 for its Gen4 speeds at a lower price point. Others might require the higher throughput of the Silicon Power UD90 or the thermal management of the Samsung 990 PRO. Each alternative matches the core M.2 NVMe form factor but varies in interface generation, capacity, or cooling features to suit specific builds.
How these alternatives compare
Patriot Memory P400 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD
The Patriot Memory P400 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD upgrades you to PCIe Gen4 speeds, which exceed the Samsung 970 EVO Plus Gen3 interface. It offers 2TB of storage, quadrupling the capacity of the 500GB Samsung drive. This makes it ideal for PS5 storage upgrades where space is tight. You gain higher bandwidth for faster load times. However, it lacks a heatsink, relying on system airflow for thermal management. If you need more room and faster Gen4 performance without extra hardware, this is a strong choice over the older Samsung model.
WD_BLACK SN770 500GB Gen4 NVMe SSD
The WD_BLACK SN770 500GB Gen4 NVMe SSD matches the Samsung 970 EVO Plus capacity but moves to PCIe Gen4. This interface provides better bandwidth and lower latency for modern workloads. It supports DirectStorage, which the Samsung drive does not. You get solid Gen4 performance for gaming without the premium price of high-end drives. It sacrifices some maximum write throughput compared to larger drives but keeps the 500GB size familiar. If you want faster Gen4 speeds for gaming on a budget, this offers a clear upgrade path from the Samsung 970 EVO Plus.
Silicon Power UD90 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
The Silicon Power UD90 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD provides significantly more storage than the 500GB Samsung drive. It reaches sequential transfer rates up to 5,000 MB/s, surpassing the Samsung 3,500 MB/s read speed. This makes it suitable for everyday PCIe 4.0 capacity upgrades. You get reliable performance for general use and file transfers. The drive focuses on straightforward reliability rather than extreme gaming benchmarks. If you need more space and faster Gen4 speeds for daily tasks, this offers a practical upgrade over the Samsung 970 EVO Plus.
Samsung 990 PRO 1TB Heatsink NVMe SSD
The Samsung 990 PRO 1TB Heatsink NVMe SSD jumps to PCIe Gen4 with sequential throughput reaching 7,450 MB/s. This is more than double the read speed of the Samsung 970 EVO Plus. It includes a dedicated heatsink for thermal management, which the standard 970 EVO Plus lacks. You get a drop-in upgrade for PlayStation 5 and high-speed PCIe 4.0 desktop builds. The 1TB capacity doubles your storage. If you need maximum speed and built-in cooling for modern systems, this is a substantial step up from the older Samsung model.
Addlink S85 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD
The Addlink S85 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD offers 6,000 MB/s read speeds, far exceeding the Samsung 970 EVO Plus. It provides 2TB of capacity, which is four times the Samsung drive. This makes it ideal for high-capacity PCIe Gen 4 gaming upgrades. The DRAM-less HMB design keeps the profile thin for standard laptop and desktop slots. You get a 5-year warranty for peace of mind. If you need high speed and large storage in a compact form factor, this offers a modern alternative to the older Samsung 970 EVO Plus.
Water Panther 960GB U.3 2.5-Inch Enterprise SSD
The Water Panther 960GB U.3 2.5-Inch Enterprise SSD differs significantly in form factor and interface. It uses a 2.5-inch U.3 connection, unlike the M.2 NVMe slot of the Samsung 970 EVO Plus. This drive is designed for Dell PowerEdge enterprise server storage upgrades. It provides targeted NVMe performance for supported server platforms rather than consumer PCs. You get a drop-in configuration for enterprise environments. If you are upgrading a supported Dell PowerEdge server, this is the correct choice instead of the consumer-focused Samsung drive.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
Samsung 970 EVO Plus 500GB NVMe M.2 SSD
Best for: PCIe Gen 3 systems needing reliable performance
- Storage Capacity
- 500GB
- Interface
- PCIe Gen 3.0 x4 NVMe 1.3
- Form Factor
- M.2
- Max Read Speed
- Up to 3,500MB s
- Max Write Speed
- Up to 3,300MB s
- Dimensions
- 0.87 × 0.09 × 3.15 inches
View on Amazon: Samsung 970 EVO Plus 500GB NVMe M.2 SSD Affiliate link
The Samsung 970 EVO Plus is an internal M.2 NVMe solid-state drive built on PCIe Gen 3.0 x4. You get sequential read speeds up to 3,500 MB/s and sequential write speeds up to 3,300 MB/s. It includes hardware AES 256-bit encryption and dynamic thermal management. This drive suits you if you need reliable Gen 3 transfer speeds and hardware security for everyday computing, gaming, or content tasks.
Pros
- Sequential read speeds reach up to 3,500 MB/s and write speeds reach up to 3,300 MB/s
- AES 256-bit hardware encryption with TCG/Opal V2.0 and IEEE1667 compliance
- Endurance rating of 600 TBW backed by a 5-year limited warranty
- Low idle power consumption of up to 30 mW
Cons
- Limited to PCIe Gen 3.0 x4 bandwidth rather than faster Gen 4 standards
- World Wide Name (WWN) is not supported
- 500GB capacity provides less space than multi-terabyte drives
Good fit if
- You use a system with an M.2 slot wired for PCIe Gen 3.0.
- You require AES 256-bit hardware disk encryption for stored files.
- You want built-in thermal safeguards that maintain operation between 0 and 70 degrees Celsius.
Skip if
- You need PCIe Gen 4 transfer rates that exceed 3,500 MB/s.
- You need more than 500GB of local storage capacity.
- You require WWN identification support for enterprise infrastructure.
Verdict: Samsung 970 EVO Plus 500GB PCIe 3.0 SSD delivers balanced Gen 3 performance with up to 3,500 MB/s read speeds and strong hardware encryption. It remains a dependable baseline storage option for systems limited to PCIe 3.0 interfaces.
Patriot Memory P400 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD
Best for: PS5 storage upgrades needing 2TB capacity
- Storage Capacity
- 2TB
- Interface
- PCIe Gen4 x4
- Form Factor
- M.2
- Max Read Speed
- 7000MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- 4,800MB/s
- Compatibility
- PS5
View on Amazon: Patriot Memory P400 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD Affiliate link
The Patriot P400 is a 2TB M.2 NVMe drive built for PCIe Gen4 x4 interfaces. It delivers sequential read speeds up to 7000MB/s and write speeds up to 4800MB/s. The drive is explicitly compatible with the PS5. It includes a five-year limited warranty. This model suits users needing high capacity and fast transfer rates for gaming or content creation.
Pros
- 2TB storage capacity
- 7000MB/s sequential read speed
- 4800MB/s sequential write speed
- PS5 compatibility
- 5-year limited warranty
Cons
- No included heatsink
- Higher price point due to 2TB capacity
- No DRAM cache mentioned
Good fit if
- You need 2TB of storage for PS5 games
- You want fast Gen4 read speeds
- You prefer a longer warranty period
Skip if
- You only need 500GB or less
- You require a drive with a built-in heatsink
- You are using an older PCIe Gen3 only system
Verdict: The Patriot P400 2TB NVMe Gen4 SSD offers high capacity and strong Gen4 speeds for PS5 users. It fits those who need ample space and fast loads without a heatsink.
WD_BLACK SN770 500GB Gen4 NVMe SSD
Best for: budget-conscious gamers needing Gen4 speeds
- Storage Capacity
- 500GB
- Interface
- PCIe Gen4
- Form Factor
- M.2 2280
- Max Read Speed
- 4000MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- 2000MB/s
- Compatibility
- Gaming
View on Amazon: WD_BLACK SN770 500GB Gen4 NVMe SSD Affiliate link
The WD_BLACK SN770 500GB is an M.2 2280 NVMe drive using PCIe Gen4. It offers sequential read speeds up to 4000MB/s and write speeds up to 2000MB/s. This capacity suits users needing reliable storage for gaming or general computing. The drive supports DirectStorage for faster load times. It is a practical option for those upgrading from older SATA or PCIe Gen3 systems.
Pros
- Sequential read speeds reach 4000MB/s
- PCIe Gen4 interface for modern performance
- Supports Microsoft DirectStorage technology
- Compact M.2 2280 form factor
Cons
- Lower sequential write speed of 2000MB/s compared to larger capacities
- 500GB capacity is smaller than 1TB or 2TB options
- WD_BLACK Dashboard software is Windows only
Good fit if
- You want PCIe Gen4 speeds on a budget
- You need a compact M.2 2280 drive for gaming
- You prefer a trusted brand for storage reliability
Skip if
- You require write speeds above 4000MB/s
- You need more than 500GB of storage
- You use a macOS or Linux system primarily
Verdict: WD_BLACK SN770 500GB NVMe SSD delivers solid Gen4 performance for gamers and general users who do not need high capacity. It fits those prioritizing read speed and DirectStorage support over maximum write throughput.
Silicon Power UD90 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
Best for: everyday PCIe 4.0 capacity upgrades
- Storage Capacity
- 2TB
- Interface
- PCIe 4.0
- Form Factor
- M.2
- Max Read Speed
- 5,000 MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- 4,800 MB/s
- Cache Type
- SLC Caching
View on Amazon: Silicon Power UD90 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD Affiliate link
The Silicon Power UD90 is a 2TB internal M.2 SSD that runs on the PCIe 4.0 interface. It delivers sequential read speeds up to 5,000 MB/s and write speeds up to 4,800 MB/s using SLC caching and LDPC error correction. This drive suits you if you need four times the capacity of a 500GB baseline drive along with higher PCIe 4.0 transfer rates for everyday storage needs.
Pros
- Sequential read speeds reach up to 5,000 MB/s and write speeds reach up to 4,800 MB/s
- PCIe 4.0 interface delivers higher bandwidth than older PCIe 3.0 drives
- Features SLC caching, LDPC coding, and end-to-end data protection
- Backed by a 5-year limited warranty
Cons
- Standard configuration comes without an included heatsink
- Uses SLC caching rather than dedicated onboard DRAM cache
Good fit if
- You have a motherboard with an M.2 slot that supports PCIe 4.0
- You want 2TB of internal storage for handling large file libraries
- You require hardware-level data integrity protections like LDPC coding and RAID support
Skip if
- You require sequential read throughput faster than 5,000 MB/s
- You need a factory-installed heatsink for your specific build environment
Verdict: Silicon Power UD90 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD provides solid mid-tier Gen4 transfer rates up to 5,000 MB/s alongside 2TB of capacity. It is a straightforward storage upgrade for PCIe 4.0 systems that need reliable everyday performance.
Samsung 990 PRO 1TB Heatsink NVMe SSD
Best for: PlayStation 5 and high-speed PCIe 4.0 builds
- Storage Capacity
- 1TB
- Interface
- PCIe 4.0
- Max Read Speed
- 7,450MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- 6,900MB/s
- Cooling
- Heatsink
- Form Factor
- M.2
View on Amazon: Samsung 990 PRO 1TB Heatsink NVMe SSD Affiliate link
The Samsung 990 PRO 1TB Heatsink SSD steps up to the PCIe 4.0 interface, delivering sequential read speeds up to 7,450 MB/s and write speeds up to 6,900 MB/s. It comes equipped with a built-in heatsink featuring RGB LED lighting, designed to fit PlayStation 5 consoles and desktop motherboards. You get Samsung Magician software support for drive monitoring, making this a strong choice when you need fast PCIe 4.0 data rates.
Pros
- Sequential read speeds up to 7,450 MB/s and write speeds up to 6,900 MB/s
- Integrated heatsink with RGB LED lighting for thermal control
- Compatible with PlayStation 5 consoles and PCI-SIG D8 standard laptops
- Includes Samsung Magician software for monitoring and firmware updates
Cons
- Heatsink profile requires PCI-SIG D8 clearance, limiting fit in standard slim laptops
- Requires PCIe 4.0 support to achieve listed maximum transfer rates
Good fit if
- You want sequential read speeds reaching up to 7,450 MB/s on PCIe 4.0
- You need an integrated heatsink for a PlayStation 5 or desktop build
- You want drive monitoring tools via Samsung Magician software
Skip if
- You need to fit an SSD into a thin laptop without PCI-SIG D8 clearance
- You only have PCIe 3.0 slots and cannot utilize PCIe 4.0 bandwidth
Verdict: Samsung 990 PRO 1TB Heatsink SSD delivers high PCIe 4.0 sequential throughput reaching 7,450 MB/s alongside dedicated thermal management. It provides a straightforward drop-in upgrade for PlayStation 5 consoles and compatible desktop systems.
Addlink S85 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD
Best for: high-capacity PCIe Gen 4 gaming upgrades
- Storage Capacity
- 2TB
- Interface
- PCIe Gen 4
- Form Factor
- M.2
- Max Read Speed
- 6000 MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- 5700 MB/s
- Cache Type
- HMB
View on Amazon: Addlink S85 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD Affiliate link
The Addlink S85 is an internal M.2 NVMe SSD offering 2TB of storage using a PCIe Gen 4 interface. It delivers sequential read speeds up to 6,000 MB/s and write speeds up to 5,700 MB/s using 3D TLC NAND and Host Memory Buffer caching. Its slim 2.25mm profile fits laptops and desktop PCs. It suits you if you need fast Gen 4 storage for gaming setups.
Pros
- Read speeds up to 6,000 MB/s and write speeds up to 5,700 MB/s
- Uses durable 3D TLC NAND flash memory
- Slim 2.25mm profile suitable for laptop installations
- Backed by a 5-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Uses Host Memory Buffer rather than dedicated onboard DRAM cache
- Does not include an integrated heatsink
Good fit if
- You want 2TB of PCIe Gen 4 storage with read speeds up to 6,000 MB/s.
- You need a thin 2.25mm form factor that fits into tight laptop or desktop slots.
Skip if
- You require an SSD with dedicated onboard DRAM instead of HMB.
- You want a drive that comes pre-fitted with a dedicated thermal heatsink.
Verdict: Addlink S85 2TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD pairs 6,000 MB/s read speeds with a 5-year warranty for everyday PC and gaming needs. Its DRAM-less HMB design and bare profile keep it practical for standard laptop and desktop slots.
Water Panther 960GB U.3 2.5-Inch Enterprise SSD
Best for: Dell PowerEdge enterprise server storage upgrades
- Storage Capacity
- 960GB
- Interface
- PCIe NVMe U.3
- Form Factor
- 2.5"
View on Amazon: Water Panther 960GB U.3 2.5-Inch Enterprise SSD Affiliate link
The Water Panther 960GB is an enterprise-class 2.5-inch solid-state drive built for continuous 24/7 server workloads. Instead of standard M.2 slots, you get a PCIe NVMe U.3 interface that supports backward compatibility with U.2 hosts through an adapter. It comes pre-mounted in a Dell PowerEdge tray. This drive suits you if you need to upgrade or expand storage inside a compatible rackmount server rather than a conventional desktop motherboard.
Pros
- 960GB enterprise storage capacity
- PCIe NVMe U.3 interface with backward compatibility for U.2 hosts via adapter
- Includes dedicated Dell PowerEdge drive carrier tray
- Rated for 24/7 enterprise operation
Cons
- Requires a 2.5-inch U.3 bay or U.2 host adapter instead of standard M.2 slots
- Form factor and tray design target Dell PowerEdge enterprise servers
Good fit if
- You operate a compatible Dell PowerEdge server.
- You need 960GB of 2.5-inch NVMe storage engineered for 24/7 deployment.
- You run a server backplane that supports U.3 or adapted U.2 drives.
Skip if
- You need a standard M.2 2280 drive for a consumer desktop or laptop.
- You build a system without a Dell server drive bay.
Verdict: Water Panther 960GB U.3 2.5-Inch Enterprise SSD delivers targeted NVMe performance for supported Dell PowerEdge platforms. It provides a drop-in 2.5-inch server drive configuration rather than a consumer M.2 form factor.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Samsung 970 EVO Plus 500GB NVMe M.2 SSD | Patriot Memory P400 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD | WD_BLACK SN770 500GB Gen4 NVMe SSD | Silicon Power UD90 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD | Samsung 990 PRO 1TB Heatsink NVMe SSD | Addlink S85 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD | Water Panther 960GB U.3 2.5-Inch Enterprise SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 500GB | 2TB | 500GB | 2TB | 1TB | 2TB | 960GB |
| Interface | PCIe Gen 3.0 x4 NVMe 1.3 | PCIe Gen4 x4 | PCIe Gen4 | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe Gen 4 | PCIe NVMe U.3 |
| Form Factor | M.2 | M.2 | M.2 2280 | M.2 | not stated | M.2 | 2.5" |
| Max Read Speed | Up to 3,500MB s | 7000MB/s | 4000MB/s | 5,000 MB/s | 7,450MB/s | 6000 MB/s | not stated |
| Max Write Speed | Up to 3,300MB s | 4,800MB/s | 2000MB/s | 4,800 MB/s | 6,900MB/s | 5700 MB/s | not stated |
| Cache Type | not stated | not stated | not stated | SLC Caching | not stated | HMB | not stated |
| Cooling | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | Heatsink | not stated | not stated |
| Compatibility | not stated | PS5 | Gaming | not stated | PS5 | Laptop, Gaming | not stated |
| Size | 500GB | 2TB P400 | 500GB | 2 TB | 1TB | 2TB | not stated |
| Dimensions | 0.87 × 0.09 × 3.15 inches | 3.15 × 0.87 × 0.16 inches | 3.15 × 0.87 × 0.09 inches | 3.15 × 0.86 × 0.14 inches | 3.16 × 0.87 × 0.09 inches | not stated | not stated |
| Weight | 1.76 ounces | not stated | not stated | not stated | 0.96 ounces | not stated | not stated |
| Color | Black | Black | Black | 2TB | Black | [w/o Heatsink] up to 6000MB/s | not stated |
| Model | MZ-V7S500B/AM | P400P2TBM28H | WDS500G3X0E | SP02KGBP44UD9005AY | MZ-V9P1T0CW | 4712927866466 | not stated |
If you build hardware projects alongside your PC, you can compare anycubic pla plus alternatives by their listed filament specifications.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Samsung 970 EVO Plus SSD alternative for PS5?
The Samsung 990 PRO 1TB Heatsink is the top choice for PlayStation 5 upgrades. It delivers high PCIe 4.0 sequential throughput reaching 7,450 MB/s. The included heatsink provides dedicated thermal management, which is crucial for maintaining performance in the console. It serves as a straightforward drop-in upgrade for compatible systems.
Which NVMe drive offers the most capacity for gaming?
The Patriot Memory P400 2TB and Addlink S85 2TB both provide substantial storage for gamers. The Patriot P400 is optimized for PS5 storage upgrades, offering strong Gen4 speeds without a heatsink. The Addlink S85 pairs 6,000 MB/s read speeds with a bare profile, making it practical for standard laptop and desktop slots.
Is there a budget-friendly PCIe Gen4 option compared to the 970 EVO Plus?
The WD_BLACK SN770 500GB is a strong budget-conscious alternative. It delivers solid Gen4 performance for gamers who prioritize read speed and DirectStorage support. While it does not match the highest write throughput, it offers a significant interface upgrade over the PCIe 3.0 Samsung 970 EVO Plus for general users.
What is the best enterprise SSD alternative for Dell PowerEdge servers?
The Water Panther 960GB U.3 2.5-Inch Enterprise SSD is designed for Dell PowerEdge platforms. It delivers targeted NVMe performance in a 2.5-inch server drive configuration. This makes it a drop-in replacement for enterprise storage needs rather than a consumer M.2 form factor, ensuring compatibility with supported server hardware.
How does the Silicon Power UD90 compare to the Samsung 970 EVO Plus?
The Silicon Power UD90 2TB provides a mid-tier Gen4 transfer rate upgrade. It reaches up to 5,000 MB/s, which is significantly faster than the 3,500 MB/s read speed of the Samsung 970 EVO Plus. It also doubles the capacity to 2TB, making it a reliable everyday performance upgrade for PCIe 4.0 systems.
Which NVMe drive is best for laptop upgrades?
The Addlink S85 2TB is identified as the best laptop option. Its DRAM-less HMB design and bare profile keep it practical for standard laptop slots. It pairs 6,000 MB/s read speeds with a 5-year warranty, offering high-capacity PCIe Gen 4 performance for everyday PC and gaming needs without bulky cooling solutions.