6 Best Alternatives to the Samsung 980 PRO 1TB PCIe (2026)
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Finding suitable samsung 980 pro 1tb pcie alternatives begins with understanding the base specifications of the original drive. The Samsung 980 PRO 1TB is a PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD built with V-NAND technology. It delivers high-performance bandwidth and throughput for heavy-duty applications in gaming, graphics, and data analytics. Its compact design measures 0.87 inches wide and 0.09 inches high.
You might seek an alternative if you need a different capacity, brand, or hardware feature. While the original provides 1TB of storage, other models expand capacity to 2TB or 4TB. You might also require an integrated heatsink for cooling inside a PS5 console or PC. Brands like Seagate, Sandisk, and ADATA offer these setups, with speeds reaching up to 7,400 MB/s read. The 6 products on this list were chosen because their PCIe 4.0 and M.2 specs overlap with the original drive for 2026.
Our top pick: Samsung 980 PRO 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD.
How Each Alternative Compares
Seagate FireCuda 530 4TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
The Seagate FireCuda 530 provides 4TB of storage, giving you four times the capacity of the 1TB Samsung 980 PRO. It also specifies 7300 MB/s read speeds, TLC NAND flash, and stated PS5 compatibility. The Samsung drive relies on V-NAND technology without listed PS5 verification or published sequential ratings in this dataset. However, both drives share standard M.2 form factors and PCIe 4.0 interfaces without built-in thermal heatsinks. You give up the compact 0.09-inch profile of the Samsung drive for a slightly thicker 0.1-inch module weighing 0.32 ounces. You should pick this FireCuda drive if you need massive storage volume for heavy workstation tasks or console gaming libraries.
Seagate FireCuda 530 1TB Heatsink SSD
The Seagate FireCuda 530 1TB matches the Samsung 980 PRO in capacity while adding an integrated EKWB heatsink and confirmed PS5 compatibility. It specifies transfer speeds up to 7300MB/s and uses TLC NAND flash. In contrast, the original Samsung drive features bare V-NAND hardware measuring 0.09 inches thick. The added thermal hardware on the FireCuda increases total weight to 0.35 ounces and requires physical clearance for its heatsink enclosure. You give up the bare, low-profile packaging of the Samsung SSD, which might fit tighter laptop slots. You should choose this FireCuda drive if you want factory thermal cooling and validated PS5 console support without sourcing separate heat spreaders.
Samsung 980 PRO 2TB SSD with Heatsink
The Samsung 980 PRO 2TB with Heatsink doubles the storage capacity of the original 1TB drive and adds integrated thermal cooling. It carries verified PS5 compatibility, whereas the base model lacks documented console status. At 0.34 inches tall and 1.12 ounces, this heatsink version is notably thicker and heavier than the standard 0.09-inch, bare 1TB unit. Both models utilize Samsung PCIe 4.0 technology, but this model eliminates the need to attach an aftermarket heatsink. You give up the ultra-slim profile required for restricted laptop slots. You should choose this model if you want twice the capacity and plug-and-play thermal protection for a desktop motherboard or a PS5 console.
Sandisk WD_Black SN850X 2TB SSD
The SanDisk WD_Black SN850X provides 2TB of capacity, doubling the room offered by the 1TB Samsung 980 PRO. Both drives connect via high-speed PCIe 4.0 interfaces designed for gaming workloads. The SN850X is listed with a gaming focus and provides a larger single-drive footprint for game libraries. Unlike the original Samsung drive with its slim 0.87 by 3.21-inch footprint, the SN850X specifications list packaging dimensions of 4 by 5 inches. You give up the established V-NAND architecture of the Samsung unit and will need your own motherboard cooling solution. You should select the SN850X if you want expanded 2TB PCIe Gen4 storage for high-demand PC gaming builds.
ADATA Legend 960 1TB Gen4 NVMe SSD
The ADATA Legend 960 matches the 1TB capacity of the Samsung 980 PRO while advertising read speeds up to 7400 MB/s and write speeds up to 6800 MB/s. It includes built-in thermal cooling and stated compatibility for both PS5 consoles and PC gaming. In comparison, the original Samsung 980 PRO is an uncooled M.2 module without factory-attached cooling. The Legend 960 weighs 1.06 ounces due to its heatsink structure, making it heavier and bulkier than the bare Samsung card. You give up Samsung V-NAND technology. You should choose the Legend 960 if you want a 1TB drive with an included heatsink ready for installation into a PlayStation 5 or desktop gaming rig.
Seagate Game Drive PS5 4TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink
The Seagate Game Drive PS5 expands storage to 4TB, providing four times the capacity of the 1TB Samsung 980 PRO. It features read speeds up to 7250MB/s and comes with a dedicated heatsink designed specifically for PS5 console expansion and PCs. The Samsung 980 PRO has a bare 0.09-inch profile, whereas the Seagate drive measures 0.43 inches tall and weighs 1.66 ounces with its integrated cooling assembly. You give up the lightweight, low-profile form factor of the original drive, making it unsuitable for slim laptop bays. You should choose this Seagate drive if you require maximum 4TB PCIe 4.0 capacity with out-of-the-box heatsink cooling for your PlayStation 5 or desktop PC.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
Samsung 980 PRO 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
Best for: high-throughput PCIe 4.0 gaming and heavy workflows
- 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 a high-speed internal solid-state drive built on PCIe 4.0 NVMe architecture. It pairs 1TB of storage with Samsung V-NAND technology in a compact M.2 form factor measuring 0.09 inches thick. This setup suits you if you handle heavy data throughput for gaming, graphics rendering, or demanding analytics workloads. It provides a direct baseline for high-bandwidth Gen4 storage across compatible PC systems.
Pros
- PCIe 4.0 NVMe interface for high-bandwidth data transfers
- 1TB storage capacity using Samsung V-NAND technology
- Compact M.2 form factor with a slim 0.09-inch thickness
Cons
- No integrated heatsink included on this base model
- Capacity limited to 1TB
Good fit if
- You need PCIe 4.0 NVMe bandwidth for gaming or heavy-duty analytics.
- You need a slim 0.09-inch M.2 drive for compact internal slots.
Skip if
- You need more than 1TB of onboard storage.
- You require a factory-installed heatsink for heat dissipation.
Verdict: Samsung 980 PRO 1TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD delivers reliable Gen4 bandwidth and 1TB of V-NAND storage in a low-profile design. It serves as a proven PCIe 4.0 benchmark for high-throughput computing tasks.
Seagate FireCuda 530 4TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
Best for: high-capacity PCIe Gen4 gaming and workstation storage
- Storage Capacity
- 4TB
- Interface
- PCIe Gen4 ×4 NVMe 1.4
- Max Read Speed
- 7300 MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- 6900 MB/s
- Form Factor
- M.2
- Compatibility
- PS5
View on Amazon: Seagate FireCuda 530 4TB PCIe 4.0 SSD Affiliate link
The Seagate FireCuda 530 4TB NVMe SSD provides high-capacity PCIe Gen4 x4 storage in an M.2 form factor. You get maximum sequential read speeds up to 7300 MB/s alongside write speeds reaching 6900 MB/s. Built with 3D TLC NAND and verified for PS5 compatibility, it fits systems requiring expansive local file space. This drive suits you if you need quadruple the capacity of a standard 1TB drive with fast transfer performance.
Pros
- Read speeds reach up to 7300 MB/s
- Write speeds reach up to 6900 MB/s
- Large 4TB storage capacity
- Uses 3D TLC NAND flash memory
Cons
- No heatsink is listed in the specifications
- Requires a PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot to reach maximum rated speeds
Good fit if
- You need 4TB of high-speed internal M.2 storage.
- You want sequential read speeds up to 7300 MB/s.
- You need an SSD confirmed for PS5 compatibility.
Skip if
- You only need a standard 1TB capacity drive.
- You require an SSD with a pre-installed heatsink.
Verdict: Seagate FireCuda 530 4TB NVMe SSD delivers 7300 MB/s read speeds and 4TB of TLC storage on PCIe Gen4 x4. It offers massive capacity and fast sequential throughput for demanding PC or PS5 storage setups.
Seagate FireCuda 530 1TB Heatsink SSD
Best for: PS5 expansion and high-speed PCIe 4.0 setups
- Storage Capacity
- 1 TB
- Interface
- PCIe Gen4 ×4 NVMe 1.4
- Form Factor
- M.2
- Max Read Speed
- Up to 7300MB/s
- Cooling
- Low-profile heatsink
- Compatibility
- PS5
View on Amazon: Seagate FireCuda 530 1TB Heatsink SSD Affiliate link
The Seagate FireCuda 530 1TB Heatsink SSD is a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe 1.4 drive built for fast storage setups. It delivers read speeds up to 7300MB/s using TLC flash memory, paired with an integrated low-profile EKWB heatsink. This model suits you if you need sustained transfer performance for desktop computing or require direct PS5 internal drive compatibility without installing an aftermarket thermal spreader.
Pros
- Up to 7300MB/s maximum read speed
- Integrated low-profile heatsink engineered by EKWB
- Includes five-year limited warranty and three years data recovery services
- Direct compatibility with PS5 internal expansion
Cons
- Usable storage capacity is less than the stated 1 TB rating
- Maximum write speed is not specified in published product specs
Good fit if
- You need read performance up to 7300MB/s on a PCIe Gen4 x4 bus.
- You want pre-installed heatsink cooling for a PS5 console or PC motherboard.
- You want factory data recovery coverage included alongside hardware warranty.
Skip if
- You need higher storage capacity than 1 TB.
- You require an unshielded M.2 drive without an attached heatsink.
Verdict: Seagate FireCuda 530 1TB Heatsink SSD delivers transfer speeds up to 7300MB/s alongside integrated EKWB thermal hardware. It provides factory cooling and fast PCIe 4.0 data rates for desktop PCs and consoles.
Samsung 980 PRO 2TB SSD with Heatsink
Best for: PS5 and PC storage expansion
- Storage Capacity
- 2TB
- Interface
- PCIe Gen 4 NVMe
- Form Factor
- M.2
- Cooling
- Heatsink
- Compatibility
- PS5
- Dimensions
- 3.15 × 0.96 × 0.34 inches
View on Amazon: Samsung 980 PRO 2TB SSD with Heatsink Affiliate link
The Samsung 980 PRO with Heatsink gives you 2TB of storage on a PCIe 4.0 NVMe interface. It features a factory-fitted 8.6mm heatsink designed to fit inside the PlayStation 5 expansion slot or desktop PCs. It includes hardware encryption and Samsung Magician software support. This drive suits you if you need double the storage capacity of the standard 1TB model alongside built-in thermal hardware for sustained gaming or data-heavy workloads.
Pros
- Integrated 8.6mm heatsink for thermal control
- 2TB storage capacity
- PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 interface
- Hardware encryption support (AES 256-bit, TCG V2.0)
- Direct physical fit for PlayStation 5 console bays
Cons
- Total height of 0.34 inches limits use in thin laptops
- Exact read and write transfer rates not listed in specifications
Good fit if
- You need 2TB of PCIe 4.0 storage with an integrated heatsink for a PS5 or desktop PC.
- You require AES 256-bit hardware encryption for data security.
- You want drive monitoring and firmware management via Samsung Magician.
Skip if
- You need an SSD for a slim notebook that cannot clear an 8.6mm heatsink.
- You want published sequential read and write speeds before buying.
Verdict: Samsung 980 PRO 2TB with Heatsink delivers expanded PCIe 4.0 capacity paired with integrated thermal management tailored for PS5 consoles and desktop systems. It provides a simple plug-and-play installation when you want double the base 1TB capacity without buying separate cooling.
Sandisk WD_Black SN850X 2TB SSD
Best for: high-capacity PCIe 4.0 gaming storage
- Storage Capacity
- 2TB
- Interface
- NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4
- Form Factor
- M.2
- Cooling
- Without Heatsink
- Compatibility
- Gaming
- Dimensions
- 5 × 4 × 0.87 inches
View on Amazon: Sandisk WD_Black SN850X 2TB SSD Affiliate link
The SanDisk WD_Black SN850X is an internal M.2 solid-state drive built for gaming setups. It connects via an NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 interface and provides 2TB of internal storage space. This model ships without an integrated heatsink, requiring your motherboard or system to supply its own thermal cover. If you need double the storage capacity of baseline 1TB drives for games and fast PCIe 4.0 connectivity, this drive fits your system.
Pros
- 2TB storage capacity
- NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 interface
- Compact M.2 form factor
- Listed gaming compatibility
Cons
- Does not include an integrated heatsink
- Single 2TB capacity option listed
Good fit if
- You need 2TB of high-speed PCIe 4.0 storage.
- You already have a motherboard M.2 heatsink.
- You want an M.2 drive for a gaming system.
Skip if
- You require an SSD that comes with a pre-installed heatsink.
- You only need 1TB of storage space.
Verdict: SanDisk WD_Black SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD delivers 2TB of PCIe 4.0 x4 storage in a bare M.2 format. It works well as an expanded-capacity gaming drive if your setup provides its own cooling.
ADATA Legend 960 1TB Gen4 NVMe SSD
Best for: PS5 and PC gamers seeking 1TB storage
- Storage Capacity
- 1TB
- Interface
- PCIe Gen4 x4
- Form Factor
- M.2
- Max Read Speed
- 7,400 MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- 6,800 MB/s
- Cooling
- Heat sink
View on Amazon: ADATA Legend 960 1TB Gen4 NVMe SSD Affiliate link
The ADATA Legend 960 1TB is an internal M.2 NVMe 1.4 solid state drive built on the PCIe Gen4 x4 interface. It delivers maximum read speeds up to 7,400 MB/s and write speeds up to 6,800 MB/s. It includes an integrated heat sink for thermal stability and supports PS5 console storage expansion. This drive suits you if you need fast Gen4 performance and built-in cooling for gaming systems.
Pros
- Up to 7,400 MB/s read and 6,800 MB/s write speeds
- PCIe Gen4 x4 interface with NVMe 1.4 support
- Included heat sink for thermal management
- Works with PS5 consoles as expanded storage
Cons
- Capacity limited to 1TB
- Pre-fitted heat sink adds bulk compared to bare M.2 drives
Good fit if
- You want read speeds up to 7,400 MB/s with factory-installed heat sink cooling.
- You need an internal Gen4 M.2 SSD compatible with a PS5 console.
- You prefer hardware covered by a 5-year warranty.
Skip if
- You need 2TB or 4TB of storage capacity.
- You require a bare drive without a heat sink for low-clearance slots.
Verdict: ADATA Legend 960 1TB Heatsink SSD provides high-speed Gen4 performance up to 7,400 MB/s read and built-in thermal cooling. It serves as a fast, PS5-ready 1TB alternative to the standard 980 PRO.
Seagate Game Drive PS5 4TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink
Best for: large-capacity PS5 and PC gaming storage
- Storage Capacity
- 4TB
- Interface
- PCIe Gen4 NVMe 1.4
- Max Read Speed
- 7250MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- 6900MB/s
- Cooling
- Heatsink
- Form Factor
- M.2
View on Amazon: Seagate Game Drive PS5 4TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink Affiliate link
The Seagate Game Drive for PS5 gives you 4TB of high-capacity storage on a PCIe Gen4 NVMe 1.4 interface. It delivers sequential read speeds up to 7250MB/s and write speeds up to 6900MB/s. A built-in heatsink keeps the drive at 0.43 inches thick to help control thermal throttling. This drive suits you if you need quadruple the capacity of a standard 1TB drive for a PS5 console or compatible PC setup.
Pros
- Up to 7250MB/s read and 6900MB/s write speeds
- Large 4TB storage capacity
- Pre-installed heatsink helps control thermal throttling
- Five-year manufacturer warranty coverage
Cons
- Total height of 0.43 inches limits installation in slim laptop bays
- Heavier 1.66-ounce weight compared to non-heatsink drives
Good fit if
- You need 4TB of storage capacity for your PS5 or desktop PC.
- You want an integrated heatsink to manage drive temperatures.
- You require sequential read speeds up to 7250MB/s over PCIe Gen4.
Skip if
- You need a low-profile drive for a compact laptop slot under 0.43 inches.
- You only require a standard 1TB drive for basic storage needs.
Verdict: Seagate Game Drive PS5 4TB Heatsink SSD delivers massive storage with 7250MB/s reads and an integrated thermal heatsink. It is a capable PCIe 4.0 expansion choice when you need maximum room for games.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Samsung 980 PRO 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD | Seagate FireCuda 530 4TB PCIe 4.0 SSD | Seagate FireCuda 530 1TB Heatsink SSD | Samsung 980 PRO 2TB SSD with Heatsink | Sandisk WD_Black SN850X 2TB SSD | ADATA Legend 960 1TB Gen4 NVMe SSD | Seagate Game Drive PS5 4TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 1TB | 4TB | 1 TB | 2TB | 2TB | 1TB | 4TB |
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 NVMe | PCIe Gen4 ×4 NVMe 1.4 | PCIe Gen4 ×4 NVMe 1.4 | PCIe Gen 4 NVMe | NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 | PCIe Gen4 x4 | PCIe Gen4 NVMe 1.4 |
| Form Factor | not stated | not stated | M.2 | M.2 | M.2 | M.2 | not stated |
| Max Read Speed | not stated | 7300 MB/s | Up to 7300MB/s | not stated | not stated | 7,400 MB/s | 7250MB/s |
| Max Write Speed | not stated | 6900 MB/s | not stated | not stated | not stated | 6,800 MB/s | 6900MB/s |
| Cooling | not stated | not stated | Low-profile heatsink | Heatsink | Without Heatsink | Heat sink | Heatsink |
| Compatibility | not stated | PS5 | PS5 | PS5 | Gaming | Gaming | PS5 |
| NAND Type | not stated | TLC | TLC | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Size | 1 tb | 0.1"x0.9"x3.2" | 1 TB | 2TB | not stated | 1TB | 4TB |
| Dimensions | 3.21 × 0.87 × 0.09 inches | 3.2 × 0.9 × 0.1 inches | 0.87 × 0.09 × 3.16 inches | 3.15 × 0.96 × 0.34 inches | 5 × 4 × 0.87 inches | 10 × 2 × 2.7 inches | 3.16 × 0.95 × 0.43 inches |
| Weight | not stated | 0.32 ounces | 0.35 ounces | 1.12 ounces | not stated | 1.06 ounces | 1.66 ounces |
| Color | Black | Black | Black | Black | Black | [LEGEND 960] 7400/6800MB/s | PS5 NVMe |
| Model | MZ-V8P1T0BW | 8719706420440 | ZP1000GM3A023 | MZ-V8P2T0CW | BLACK SN850X | ALEG-960-1TCS | ZP4000GP3A4001 |
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Frequently asked questions
Which Samsung 980 PRO alternative offers the fastest rated read speed?
The ADATA Legend 960 1TB lists the highest sequential read rating at up to 7,400 MB/s. In comparison, both Seagate FireCuda 530 models specify read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s, and the Seagate Game Drive PS5 4TB specifies 7,250 MB/s. All of these alternatives deliver higher rated maximum sequential read rates than base Gen4 drives.
Do alternative PCIe 4.0 drives include built-in heatsinks?
Several alternatives come equipped with integrated thermal solutions. The Seagate FireCuda 530 1TB features EKWB thermal cooling hardware, and the Samsung 980 PRO 2TB and Seagate Game Drive 4TB also include preinstalled heatsinks. Other models, such as the 4TB FireCuda 530 and the Sandisk WD_Black SN850X 2TB, come in bare M.2 formats.
Which alternative matches the 1TB capacity while adding integrated cooling?
The Seagate FireCuda 530 1TB and the ADATA Legend 960 1TB both preserve the exact 1TB capacity while including integrated cooling hardware. The FireCuda 530 includes EKWB thermal hardware and reaches 7,300 MB/s read speeds. The Legend 960 provides built-in cooling along with transfer rates reaching 7,400 MB/s read and 6,800 MB/s write.
What Samsung 980 PRO alternatives provide the largest storage capacity?
The Seagate FireCuda 530 4TB and Seagate Game Drive PS5 4TB offer the largest storage capacity on this list. Each provides 4TB of space, which quadruples the capacity of the original 1TB drive. This extra headroom benefits users handling large file archives, workstation setups, or expansive game installations across PCIe 4.0 interfaces.
What NAND flash types are used across these alternative drives?
The original Samsung 980 PRO uses proprietary Samsung V-NAND technology, while alternatives such as the Seagate FireCuda 530 specify standard TLC flash. TLC flash paired with PCIe 4.0 controllers delivers fast data throughput, reaching up to 7,300 MB/s sequential read performance on the FireCuda 530 line during sustained computer tasks and gaming.
Can you install these PCIe 4.0 alternative drives into desktop PC motherboards?
Yes, every alternative in this guide utilizes an M.2 form factor that fits standard M.2 slots on PCIe 4.0 desktop motherboards. You must ensure your motherboard has sufficient clearance if you select drives with factory heatsinks, such as the Samsung 980 PRO 2TB Heatsink model, which measures 0.34 inches in total height.