Looking Beyond the Samsung 990 PRO Heatsink SSD? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look
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The Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink SSD delivers near-max PCIe 4.0 speeds and efficient thermal management. If you are looking for samsung 990 pro heatsink SSD alternatives, you might want a different spec, size, feature or brand. This drive offers up to 7,450 MB/s read speeds and includes a nickel-coated controller for thermal control. It is ideal for users who prioritize top-tier performance and integrated cooling in a single M.2 package.
The alternatives were chosen because their specs overlap with the original. We selected drives that also feature PCIe 4.0 interfaces and M.2 form factors. Some options include built-in heatsinks for PS5 compatibility, while others rely on motherboard cooling. You can find models with DRAM caches or those optimized for budget-conscious builds. Each option provides a practical solution for gaming and content creation. You can compare these drives to find the right balance of speed, capacity, and thermal design for your specific needs.
Comparing SSD Alternatives to Samsung
Fanxiang 2TB PCIe 4.0 Heatsink SSD
The Fanxiang S660 uses an SLC cache instead of a DRAM cache, which changes how it handles large file transfers. It is thicker at 0.39 inches compared to the Samsung’s 0.09 inches, providing more surface area for heat dissipation. You get a 2TB capacity for a lower price point, making it a practical choice for PS5 owners who need included cooling without the premium cost. It lacks the raw sequential speed of the 990 PRO, but offers sufficient thermal stability for gaming consoles where peak benchmark numbers matter less than consistent performance and fit.
Ediloca 2TB PCIe Gen4 SSD
The Ediloca EN855 includes a DRAM cache, a feature that helps maintain consistent speeds during heavy workloads compared to the Fanxiang. It uses TLC NAND, which offers a balance of endurance and cost. Like the Samsung, it is designed for PS5 upgrades and high-speed PC gaming. The model does not list specific sequential read or write speeds in the provided data, so you cannot directly compare its peak throughput to the 990 PRO’s 7,450 MB/s. It is a solid mid-range option if you prioritize cache presence and brand reliability over the absolute highest transfer rates available in the PCIe 4.0 standard.
Samsung 980 PRO 2TB SSD with Heatsink
The Samsung 980 PRO is the previous generation from the same manufacturer. It uses a thicker heatsink design at 0.34 inches, which may fit differently in your system than the slimmer 990 PRO. It offers solid PCIe Gen 4 performance but with lower sequential speeds than the 990 PRO. If you are upgrading from an older drive or buying for a PS5, the 980 PRO provides reliable thermal management and consistent speeds. It is a practical choice if you value brand familiarity and proven stability over the latest peak performance metrics found in the newer 990 PRO model.
Sandisk WD_Black SN850X 2TB SSD
The WD_Black SN850X is a bare drive without an integrated heatsink. It relies on your motherboard’s cooling solution, which is ideal if you already have adequate thermal management. It offers excellent gaming performance but requires you to manage the thermal envelope yourself. The dimensions listed are unusual, so verify fitment before purchasing. It is a strong alternative if you prefer a cleaner look inside your case or already have a motherboard with a large M.2 heatsink. You trade the convenience of an included heatsink for potentially better airflow and compatibility with existing cooling setups.
ADATA Legend 960 2TB Gen4 M.2 SSD
The ADATA Legend 960 offers strong sequential speeds for a budget-friendly option. It includes a heatsink, making it suitable for PS5 expansion without additional purchases. The drive is designed for gamers needing reliable storage with included cooling. It does not list a DRAM cache, relying instead on SLC caching for performance. The dimensions suggest a larger profile, so check your available space. It is a good choice if you want PCIe 4.0 speeds and thermal protection without the premium price of Samsung or Western Digital. It prioritizes value and compatibility over top-tier benchmark scores.
KLEVV CRAS C930 2TB Heatsink NVMe SSD
The KLEVV CRAS C930 includes a DRAM cache, which helps maintain performance during sustained writes. It is a 2TB drive with a heatsink, making it compatible with PS5 and gaming PCs. The model number suggests it is a standard M.2 2280 form factor. It offers strong Gen4 speeds, though exact read and write figures are not provided in the data. It is a solid alternative if you want the benefits of a DRAM cache and included cooling. It sits between the budget SLC-cached drives and the high-end Samsung options, providing a balanced approach for users who need consistent performance without the highest price tag.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink SSD
Best for: High-performance gaming and content creation
- Storage Capacity
- 2TB
- Interface
- PCIe 4.0
- Form Factor
- M.2
- Max Read Speed
- 7,450 MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- 6,900 MB/s
- Cooling
- Heatsink
View on Amazon: Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink SSD Affiliate link
The Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink delivers top-tier PCIe 4.0 performance with sequential read speeds up to 7,450 MB/s and write speeds up to 6,900 MB/s. It includes a nickel-coated controller for thermal management and fits standard M.2 slots. This drive suits gamers and creators who need fast load times and reliable power efficiency for PS5 or desktop builds.
Pros
- Sequential read speeds reach 7,450 MB/s
- Sequential write speeds reach 6,900 MB/s
- Includes integrated heatsink for thermal control
- Nickel-coated controller improves power efficiency
Cons
- Only 2TB capacity available in this listing
- Heatsink adds bulk compared to bare drives
- Requires PCIe 4.0 interface for full speed
Good fit if
- You need maximum sequential read speeds
- You want a drive with a built-in heatsink
- You are building a PS5 or desktop PC
Skip if
- You only have PCIe 3.0 slots
- You need more than 2TB storage
- You prefer a bare drive without a heatsink
Verdict: Samsung 990 PRO 2TB Heatsink SSD offers near-max PCIe 4.0 speeds and efficient thermal management. It is ideal for users who prioritize top-tier performance and integrated cooling in a single M.2 package.
Fanxiang 2TB PCIe 4.0 Heatsink SSD
Best for: PS5 owners needing included cooling
- Storage Capacity
- 2TB
- Interface
- PCIe 4.0
- Form Factor
- M.2
- Max Read Speed
- 5000 MB/s
- Cache Type
- SLC Cache
- Cooling
- Heatsink
View on Amazon: Fanxiang 2TB PCIe 4.0 Heatsink SSD Affiliate link
The Fanxiang S660 is a 2TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD designed for PS5 and PC gaming. It features a built-in heatsink to manage thermal output during intensive use. Sequential read speeds reach 5000 MB/s. The drive uses SLC caching to maintain performance levels. It fits standard M.2 2280 slots. This option provides ample storage for large game libraries while keeping temperatures in check for consistent operation.
Pros
- Includes a dedicated heatsink for thermal management
- Sequential read speeds up to 5000 MB/s
- Uses SLC cache for performance stability
- Compatible with PS5 and PC platforms
Cons
- Read speeds are lower than the 7400 MB/s found on some competitors
- Does not mention DRAM cache, relying on SLC cache instead
- Physical dimensions are slightly taller at 0.39 inches
Good fit if
- You need a ready-to-use heatsink for your PS5
- You want 2TB of storage for game libraries
- You prioritize thermal control over maximum peak speed
Skip if
- You require the fastest possible sequential read speeds
- You need a drive with DRAM cache
- You prefer established brands with longer track records
Verdict: Fanxiang S660 2TB Heatsink SSD offers a practical cooling solution for PS5 owners who need reliable storage expansion without the bulk of separate heatsinks. It suits gamers who value thermal stability and straightforward compatibility over top-tier raw performance metrics.
Ediloca 2TB PCIe Gen4 SSD
Best for: PS5 upgrades and high-speed PC gaming
- Storage Capacity
- 2TB
- Interface
- PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe 1.4
- Form Factor
- M.2 2280
- Max Read Speed
- 7,400MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- 6,600MB/s
- Cache Type
- 2GB DRAM, Dynamic SLC Cache
View on Amazon: Ediloca 2TB PCIe Gen4 SSD Affiliate link
The Ediloca EN855 is a 2TB M.2 2280 drive with a 7,400MB/s read speed and 6,600MB/s write speed. It uses 3D TLC NAND and includes a 2GB DRAM cache for consistent performance. The integrated aluminum heatsink helps manage thermal throttling during heavy loads. This drive supports PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe 1.4 and fits PS5, desktops, and laptops. It offers 1400TBW endurance and a 5-year limited service warranty.
Pros
- High 7,400MB/s read speed
- 2GB DRAM cache included
- Integrated aluminum heatsink
- 1400TBW endurance rating
- 5-year limited service warranty
Cons
- Lower write speed than 9,000MB/s class drives
- Brand has less established reputation than major manufacturers
- No software management utility mentioned
Good fit if
- You need a PS5 compatible drive with a heatsink
- You want a 2TB capacity with DRAM cache
- You prioritize high sequential read speeds
Skip if
- You require the absolute fastest write speeds available
- You prefer established brands with extensive software ecosystems
- You need a drive without a heatsink for small form factors
Verdict: Ediloca EN855 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD delivers strong PCIe Gen4 performance with a DRAM cache and heatsink, making it a solid choice for PS5 upgrades and high-speed PC builds.
Samsung 980 PRO 2TB SSD with Heatsink
Best for: PS5 gaming and reliable PCIe 4.0 performance
- 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 is a 2TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe drive built for high-performance gaming and content creation. It features an integrated heatsink to manage thermal output during sustained loads. The drive uses Samsung’s in-house controller and NAND for reliable speeds. It fits PS5 consoles and standard M.2 slots. Magician software helps monitor health and optimize performance for long-term use.
Pros
- Integrated heatsink for thermal control
- 2TB storage capacity
- PCIe Gen 4 NVMe interface
- PS5 compatible form factor
Cons
- Slightly lower peak speeds than the 990 PRO
- Heatsink adds bulk to the drive profile
- No included software for advanced tuning
Good fit if
- You need a drive for PS5 expansion
- You want proven Samsung reliability
- You prefer a ready-to-use heatsink
Skip if
- You need the absolute fastest PCIe 4.0 speeds
- You are building a compact mini-PC
- You prefer a bare drive without a heatsink
Verdict: Samsung 980 PRO Heatsink 2TB delivers solid PCIe Gen 4 performance with built-in thermal management. It is a practical choice for PS5 owners and gamers who value consistent speeds over peak benchmarks.
Sandisk WD_Black SN850X 2TB SSD
Best for: Gamers with motherboard heatsinks
- 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 WD_Black SN850X is a 2TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 internal SSD designed for gaming. It delivers high performance with sequential speeds up to 7,300 MB/s. This drive is a strong alternative to the Samsung 990 PRO. It suits users who need fast load times and ample storage for large game libraries without requiring a bulky heatsink.
Pros
- 2TB storage capacity
- PCIe 4.0 x4 interface
- M.2 form factor
- Up to 7,300 MB/s read speed
Cons
- Sold without a heatsink
- Requires separate cooling solution
- No included thermal pad
Good fit if
- You already have a motherboard with built-in M.2 heatsinks
- You want top-tier PCIe 4.0 speeds
- You are building a PS5 or PC gaming rig
Skip if
- You need a drive that includes a heatsink
- You are looking for a PCIe 3.0 option
- You prefer Samsung brand products
Verdict: WD_Black SN850X 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD offers excellent gaming performance for users who can manage their own cooling. It is ideal for builders with adequate motherboard thermal solutions.
ADATA Legend 960 2TB Gen4 M.2 SSD
Best for: PS5 storage expansion and gaming
- Storage Capacity
- 2TB
- Interface
- PCIe Gen4 x4, NVMe 1.4
- 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 2TB Gen4 M.2 SSD Affiliate link
The ADATA Legend 960 delivers PCIe Gen4 x4 speeds up to 7,400 MB/s read and 6,800 MB/s write. It includes a heatsink for thermal management and supports NVMe 1.4. This 2TB M.2 drive is compatible with PS5 consoles. It offers high performance for gaming and general computing tasks while maintaining stability under load.
Pros
- Sequential read speeds up to 7,400 MB/s
- Sequential write speeds up to 6,800 MB/s
- Includes a heatsink for cooling
- Compatible with PS5 expanded storage
- Backed by a 5-year warranty
Cons
- Write speed is lower than the top-tier 990 PRO
- Only includes a heatsink, not a full aluminum shroud
- No mention of DRAM cache in specifications
Good fit if
- You need a high-speed drive for PS5 expansion
- You want a PCIe Gen4 SSD with included cooling
- You require 2TB of storage capacity
Skip if
- You need the absolute highest write speeds available
- You prefer an aluminum heatsink over a standard one
- You are looking for a drive without a heatsink
Verdict: The ADATA Legend 960 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD offers strong sequential speeds and PS5 compatibility. It is a solid choice for gamers needing reliable expansion with included cooling.
KLEVV CRAS C930 2TB Heatsink NVMe SSD
Best for: PS5 expansion and gaming with included cooling
- Storage Capacity
- 2TB
- Interface
- PCIe Gen4x4
- Form Factor
- M.2 2280
- Max Read Speed
- 7,400 MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- 6,800 MB/s
- Cache Type
- DRAM cache
View on Amazon: KLEVV CRAS C930 2TB Heatsink NVMe SSD Affiliate link
The KLEVV CRAS C930 is a 2TB M.2 2280 NVMe drive built for high-speed performance. It features a PCIe Gen4x4 interface and includes an aluminum heatsink to manage thermals. Sequential read speeds reach 7,400 MB/s, while writes hit 6,800 MB/s. It also uses a DRAM cache for better durability and sustained performance. This drive is designed for gamers and PS5 users who need reliable expansion.
Pros
- Includes an aluminum heatsink for thermal management
- High sequential read speed of 7,400 MB/s
- Sequential write speed of 6,800 MB/s
- Equipped with DRAM cache for improved performance
Cons
- Max write speed is lower than the top-tier competitors on this list
- Heatsink adds physical bulk to the drive profile
- No warranty duration specified in the provided data
Good fit if
- You need a 2TB drive for a PlayStation 5
- You want a PCIe Gen4 SSD with an included heatsink
- You prioritize DRAM cache for sustained write performance
Skip if
- You require the absolute highest sequential write speeds available
- You are looking for a bare drive without a heatsink
- You need a PCIe Gen5 interface for next-gen performance
Verdict: KLEVV CRAS C930 2TB with Heatsink offers strong Gen4 speeds and a DRAM cache, making it a solid choice for PS5 expansion or gaming builds that benefit from included cooling.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink SSD | Fanxiang 2TB PCIe 4.0 Heatsink SSD | Ediloca 2TB PCIe Gen4 SSD | Samsung 980 PRO 2TB SSD with Heatsink | Sandisk WD_Black SN850X 2TB SSD | ADATA Legend 960 2TB Gen4 M.2 SSD | KLEVV CRAS C930 2TB Heatsink NVMe SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 2TB | 2TB | 2TB | 2TB | 2TB | 2TB | 2TB |
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe 1.4 | PCIe Gen 4 NVMe | NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 | PCIe Gen4 x4, NVMe 1.4 | PCIe Gen4x4 |
| Form Factor | M.2 | M.2 | M.2 2280 | M.2 | M.2 | M.2 | M.2 2280 |
| Max Read Speed | 7,450 MB/s | 5000 MB/s | 7,400MB/s | not stated | not stated | 7,400 MB/s | 7,400 MB/s |
| Max Write Speed | 6,900 MB/s | not stated | 6,600MB/s | not stated | not stated | 6,800 MB/s | 6,800 MB/s |
| Cache Type | not stated | SLC Cache | 2GB DRAM, Dynamic SLC Cache | not stated | not stated | not stated | DRAM cache |
| Cooling | Heatsink | Heatsink | Aluminum Heatsink | Heatsink | Without Heatsink | Heat sink | Aluminum Heatsink |
| Compatibility | Gaming | PS5, Gaming | PS5, Gaming | PS5 | Gaming | Gaming | PS5, Gaming |
| NAND Type | not stated | not stated | TLC | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Size | 2TB | 2TB | 2TB | 2TB | not stated | 2TB | 2TB |
| Dimensions | 3.16 × 0.87 × 0.09 inches | 3.15 × 0.87 × 0.39 inches | not stated | 3.15 × 0.96 × 0.34 inches | 5 × 4 × 0.87 inches | 1.1 × 9.7 × 6.5 inches | not stated |
| Weight | 1.92 ounces | 1.06 ounces | not stated | 1.12 ounces | not stated | 1.06 ounces | not stated |
| Color | black | not stated | Black | Black | Black | [LEGEND 960] 7400/6800MB/s | C930 |
| Model | MZ-V9P2T0GW | S660 | EN855 | MZ-V8P2T0CW | BLACK SN850X | ALEG-960-2TCS | K02TBM2SP0-C93 |
Frequently asked questions
Is there a cheaper PCIe 4.0 SSD with a heatsink for PS5?
Yes, the Fanxiang S660 2TB Heatsink SSD is designed for PS5 owners who need included cooling. It uses an SLC cache for reliable storage expansion. The drive is thicker at 0.39 inches to aid heat dissipation. It fits the M.2 form factor and offers a practical thermal solution without requiring separate heatsinks.
Which alternative SSD includes a DRAM cache and heatsink?
The Ediloca EN855 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD includes both a DRAM cache and a heatsink. It uses TLC NAND for consistent performance during gaming and PS5 upgrades. The drive is available in black and fits the standard M.2 form factor. This combination supports high-speed PC gaming while managing thermal output effectively.
Can I use a Samsung SSD without a heatsink on my PS5?
The Samsung 980 PRO 2TB SSD with Heatsink is a practical choice for PS5 owners. It delivers solid PCIe Gen 4 performance with built-in thermal management. The drive is 0.34 inches thick and weighs 1.12 ounces. It provides consistent speeds for gaming without relying on peak benchmark numbers alone.
Is the WD_Black SN850X a good alternative for gaming?
The WD_Black SN850X 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD offers excellent gaming performance. It is ideal for builders who have adequate motherboard thermal solutions or prefer to manage their own cooling. The drive is black and features the BLACK SN850X model designation. It suits users who prioritize raw speed over included heatsink solutions.
Does the ADATA Legend 960 have a heatsink for PS5?
The ADATA Legend 960 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD is a solid choice for PS5 storage expansion. It offers strong sequential speeds and gaming compatibility. The drive includes cooling features suitable for console upgrades. It is a practical option for gamers needing reliable expansion with included thermal management in the M.2 form factor.
Which SSD is best for PS5 expansion with included cooling?
The KLEVV CRAS C930 2TB Heatsink NVMe SSD offers strong Gen4 speeds and a DRAM cache. It is a solid choice for PS5 expansion or gaming builds that benefit from included cooling. The drive is black and fits the M.2 2280 form factor. It provides a balanced mix of performance and thermal stability.