Samsung 970 EVO Plus 500GB or Samsung 980 PRO 1TB PCIe? Which Samsung Model to Buy
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The samsung 970 evo plus SSD vs 980 pro 1tb pcie comparison highlights two distinct Samsung M.2 drives. Both use V-NAND technology and NVMe interfaces for fast data access. The main difference lies in their generation and capacity. The 970 EVO Plus is a PCIe Gen 3.0 drive with 500GB of storage. The 980 PRO is a newer PCIe 4.0 model with 1TB of space. You need to check your motherboard support before deciding.
Key differences
| Aspect | Samsung 970 EVO Plus 500GB NVMe M.2 SSD | Samsung 980 PRO 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe Gen 3.0 x4 NVMe 1.3 | PCIe 4.0 NVMe |
| Storage Capacity | 500GB | 1TB |
| Sequential Read Speed | Up to 3,500MB/s | not listed |
| Sequential Write Speed | Up to 3,300MB/s | not listed |
| Warranty | 5-year limited warranty | not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Samsung 970 EVO Plus 500GB NVMe M.2 SSD if
- You have a motherboard that only supports PCIe Gen 3.0.
- You need a drive that includes a listed 5-year warranty.
- You prefer a smaller 500GB capacity for budget storage.
Choose Samsung 980 PRO 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD if
- You require double the storage space of the 970 EVO Plus.
- Your system supports PCIe 4.0 for higher bandwidth potential.
- You are a hardcore gamer needing heavy-duty throughput.
Verdict: Choose the 970 EVO Plus if you are on a Gen 3 platform or want a verified warranty. Pick the 980 PRO if you need more capacity and have a Gen 4 compatible system.
970 EVO Plus vs 980 PRO Specs
Interface generation
The Samsung 970 EVO Plus uses a PCIe Gen 3.0 x4 NVMe 1.3 interface. This standard offers reliable bandwidth and low latency for most modern systems. The Samsung 980 PRO utilizes a PCIe 4.0 NVMe interface. This newer generation provides significantly higher theoretical throughput. If your motherboard supports PCIe 4.0, the 980 PRO can deliver faster data transfer rates. The 970 EVO Plus remains compatible with older PCIe 3.0 systems without issue. You should check your system specifications to determine which interface your platform supports for optimal performance.
Storage capacity
Capacity is a major differentiator between these two models. The Samsung 970 EVO Plus is available in a 500GB configuration. This size is suitable for operating systems and a moderate number of applications or games. The Samsung 980 PRO offers 1TB of storage. This double the capacity allows for larger game libraries, more extensive video editing projects, and greater data retention. If you require more space for heavy-duty applications or large files, the 1TB model provides a clear advantage. The 500GB drive is efficient but limits your total data volume.
Sequential read speed
Performance speeds vary significantly between the two drives. The 970 EVO Plus lists sequential read speeds of up to 3,500MB/s. This is a strong performance level for PCIe Gen 3.0 drives. The 980 PRO data does not explicitly list its sequential read speed in the provided specifications. However, PCIe 4.0 drives typically exceed 5,000MB/s. Without the specific number for the 980 PRO, we cannot definitively compare the raw numbers. Both use V-NAND technology, but the interface generation suggests the 980 PRO is faster. The 970 EVO Plus speed is clearly defined.
Thermal management
Heat dissipation is critical for sustained performance in M.2 drives. The Samsung 970 EVO Plus features Samsung’s Dynamic Thermal Guard. This technology automatically monitors and maintains optimal operating temperatures to minimize performance drops during heavy workloads. The operating temperature range is listed as 0 to 70 ℃. The Samsung 980 PRO specifications do not mention any specific thermal management technology or operating temperature range in the provided data. While both drives likely generate heat, the 970 EVO Plus explicitly details its approach to thermal control, which is beneficial for long-term stability.
Data security
Both drives include security features to protect your data. The Samsung 970 EVO Plus supports AES 256-bit Full Disk Encryption. It also includes TCG/Opal V2.0 and Encrypted Drive (IEEE1667) standards. These protocols ensure robust data protection against unauthorized access. The Samsung 980 PRO specifications do not list specific encryption standards or security features in the provided data. While modern NVMe drives often include these features, the 970 EVO Plus explicitly confirms its compliance with industry-standard encryption protocols. This provides verified security assurance for the 970 EVO Plus.
Warranty and endurance
Reliability and support are important considerations for long-term use. The Samsung 970 EVO Plus comes with a 5-year limited warranty. It also offers an endurance rating of 600 TBW (Terabytes Written). This indicates the drive can sustainably write 600 terabytes of data over its lifespan. The Samsung 980 PRO specifications do not mention warranty length or TBW endurance rating in the provided data. Without this information, we cannot compare the guaranteed lifespan or support terms. The 970 EVO Plus provides clear metrics for both warranty duration and write endurance.
Which Samsung SSD fits your needs
Users needing 1TB capacity and PCIe 4.0 speeds
The Samsung 980 PRO offers 1TB of storage, which is double the capacity of the 500GB option. It also uses a PCIe 4.0 NVMe interface, providing higher bandwidth potential for future-proofing. If you require more space for large files or games and have a compatible motherboard, this drive is the better choice for raw performance and storage volume.
Buyers seeking proven PCIe 3.0 performance with warranty details
The Samsung 970 EVO Plus delivers sequential read speeds up to 3,500MB/s and write speeds up to 3,300MB/s on a PCIe Gen 3.0 x4 interface. It includes a 5-year limited warranty or 600 TBW. If your system is optimized for PCIe 3.0 or you need explicit endurance ratings and thermal management features like Dynamic Thermal Guard, this model is reliable.
Those prioritizing specific endurance and security specifications
This drive lists AES 256-bit Full Disk Encryption and TCG/Opal V2.0 support, ensuring data security. It also specifies a 600 TBW endurance rating alongside its 5-year warranty. If you value clear endurance metrics and built-in encryption standards for your data protection needs, the 970 EVO Plus provides these defined specifications for peace of mind.
The products compared
Samsung 970 EVO Plus 500GB NVMe M.2 SSD
Best for: Gen 3 gaming and content creation
- 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 500GB is an M.2 NVMe drive using PCIe Gen 3.0. It offers sequential read speeds up to 3,500MB/s and write speeds up to 3,300MB/s. This model uses V-NAND technology for low latency. It includes Dynamic Thermal Guard to manage heat. You get a 5-year warranty or 600 TBW. It suits users needing reliable performance for gaming and content creation.
Pros
- Sequential read speeds up to 3,500MB/s
- Sequential write speeds up to 3,300MB/s
- Dynamic Thermal Guard for heat management
- 5-year limited warranty or 600 TBW
Cons
- Smaller 500GB capacity compared to 1TB options
- PCIe Gen 3.0 interface limits peak speeds
- No included physical mounting hardware listed
Good fit if
- You need a reliable PCIe Gen 3.0 drive
- You want high sequential read speeds
- You prefer Samsung's thermal management
Skip if
- You require PCIe Gen 4.0 speeds
- You need more than 500GB storage
- You prefer larger capacity drives
Verdict: Samsung 970 EVO Plus 500GB NVMe SSD delivers strong Gen 3 performance for gamers and creators who prioritize thermal stability and brand reliability over maximum capacity or next-gen speeds.
Samsung 980 PRO 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
Best for: high-performance gaming and data analytics
- Storage Capacity
- 1TB
- Interface
- PCIe 4.0 NVMe
- Form Factor
- M.2
- Dimensions
- 3.21 × 0.87 × 0.09 inches
View on Amazon: Samsung 980 PRO 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD Affiliate link
The Samsung 980 PRO 1TB is an M.2 NVMe drive built for high-performance tasks. It uses PCIe 4.0 and V-NAND technology to deliver strong bandwidth and throughput. This model suits gamers and users running heavy graphics or data analytics workloads. It features a compact M.2 form factor with dimensions of 3.21 x 0.87 x 0.09 inches. You get ample storage space for large files and fast load times.
Pros
- PCIe 4.0 NVMe interface for high bandwidth
- 1TB storage capacity for large datasets
- V-NAND technology for reliable throughput
- Compact M.2 form factor fits most systems
Cons
- Limited to PCIe 4.0, not the latest PCIe 5.0
- No included heatsink for thermal management
- Black color only available
Good fit if
- You need fast load times for modern games
- You edit high-resolution video or run data analytics
- You want 1TB of reliable NVMe storage
Skip if
- You only need basic office tasks and minimal storage
- You are using a motherboard that only supports PCIe 3.0
- You require a drive with a built-in heatsink
Verdict: Samsung 980 PRO 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD delivers the speed and capacity needed for demanding gaming and creative workloads. It is the right choice if you prioritize throughput and ample storage in a standard M.2 package.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Samsung 970 EVO Plus 500GB NVMe M.2 SSD | Samsung 980 PRO 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 500GB | 1TB |
| Interface | PCIe Gen 3.0 x4 NVMe 1.3 | PCIe 4.0 NVMe |
| Form Factor | M.2 | not stated |
| Max Read Speed | Up to 3,500MB s | not stated |
| Max Write Speed | Up to 3,300MB s | not stated |
| Size | 500GB | 1 tb |
| Dimensions | 0.87 × 0.09 × 3.15 inches | 3.21 × 0.87 × 0.09 inches |
| Weight | 1.76 ounces | not stated |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Model | MZ-V7S500B/AM | MZ-V8P1T0BW |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Samsung 970 EVO Plus still good for gaming?
Yes, the 970 EVO Plus remains a strong choice for Gen 3 gaming. It delivers reliable performance for content creation and everyday tasks. You get thermal stability and brand reliability in a compact M.2 form factor. This model suits users who prioritize consistent speed over maximum capacity or next-generation bandwidth speeds.
Does the 980 PRO have enough storage for large games?
The 980 PRO offers 1TB of storage, which is double the capacity of the 500GB 970 EVO Plus. This ample space handles demanding gaming and data analytics workloads effectively. You gain higher throughput potential for creative projects without needing to manage tight storage limits on a smaller drive.
What is the main difference between these two Samsung SSDs?
The primary difference lies in interface generation and capacity. The 970 EVO Plus uses PCIe Gen 3.0, while the 980 PRO utilizes PCIe 4.0. Additionally, the 980 PRO provides 1TB of space compared to the 500GB option. This makes the 980 PRO better for high-performance needs.
Can I use the 970 EVO Plus in a modern PC?
Yes, the 970 EVO Plus works in modern systems using the M.2 NVMe interface. It offers reliable bandwidth and low latency for most current hardware. This drive is ideal if you do not require PCIe 4.0 speeds but still want a dependable storage solution for gaming and productivity.
Which drive is better for content creation workloads?
The 980 PRO is better for heavy content creation due to its PCIe 4.0 interface and 1TB capacity. It delivers the speed and throughput needed for demanding creative tasks. The 970 EVO Plus is also suitable but focuses on thermal stability and Gen 3 performance for lighter workflows.
Do both drives use the same physical form factor?
Yes, both the 970 EVO Plus and 980 PRO use the M.2 form factor. They fit into standard M.2 slots on most motherboards. The dimensions are similar, with both drives being compact and lightweight. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of desktop and laptop computers.