Solid-state drives (SSDs) have become the go-to storage solution for high-performance computing systems. The Samsung 990 Pro SSD is one of the most popular high-end SSDs available on the market. With its outstanding performance, reliability, and features, the Samsung 990 Pro SSD is an excellent choice for users who need fast and reliable storage for their demanding workloads.
In this comprehensive review, we will take a closer look at the Samsung 990 Pro SSD and explore its features, specifications, and performance.
Design and Specifications
The Samsung 990 Pro SSD has a sleek and modern design. It comes in the M.2 form factor and measures 80mm x 22mm x 2.38mm, which is compatible with most modern motherboards. The drive uses Samsung’s latest 3-bit MLC V-NAND technology, which allows for higher storage density and better endurance than previous generations of V-NAND. It is available in capacities of 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB.
Performance
The Samsung 990 Pro SSD is one of the fastest SSDs available on the market. It boasts impressive sequential read and write speeds of up to 7,000 MB/s and 5,100 MB/s, respectively. This means that the drive can load and transfer large files and programs quickly, making it an excellent option for content creators, gamers, and professionals who require fast data access and transfer rates.
In addition to its impressive sequential speeds, the Samsung 990 Pro SSD also features random read and write speeds of up to 1,000,000 IOPS. This can significantly improve the performance of applications that rely on small file transfers and random access.
Endurance and Reliability
The Samsung 990 Pro SSD is designed to be highly durable and reliable. It has a Terabytes Written (TBW) rating of up to 1,200 TB, depending on the capacity of the drive. This means that the drive can sustain a significant amount of data writing and erasing operations without suffering from performance degradation or data loss.
To ensure data security and reliability, the Samsung 990 Pro SSD supports AES 256-bit encryption. This feature helps protect your data from unauthorized access. The drive also features Dynamic Thermal Guard technology, which monitors and maintains the drive’s temperature to prevent overheating and causing damage to the system.
Software and Features
The Samsung 990 Pro SSD comes with Samsung’s Magician software, which allows users to monitor and optimize the drive’s performance and health. The software provides real-time updates on the drive’s temperature, usage, and remaining lifespan. It also features a range of optimization tools, including Performance Optimization, Data Security, and Firmware Update.
Price
One of the few downsides of the Samsung 990 Pro SSD is its relatively high price. It is one of the most expensive SSDs available on the market, making it less accessible to budget-conscious users. However, for users who require high-performance and reliable storage for demanding applications, the 990 Pro SSD is a worthwhile investment that can significantly improve their productivity and user experience.
Samsung 990 Pro SSD Firmware Update
Firmware updates are an important aspect of maintaining the health and performance of any computer system. The firmware on a solid-state drive (SSD) is responsible for managing its internal operations and controlling how data is read and written to the drive. The Samsung 990 Pro SSD is a high-performance SSD that features a firmware update function that allows users to keep the drive’s firmware up-to-date to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
The downside of the 990 Pro firmware update (version number 1B2QJXD7) is that it doesn’t reset the wear percentage counter on any SSD that has been affected by the bug; if you’ve got a drive that’s reporting 72 percent wear, the firmware fix will keep that number from continuing to rise faster than it should, but it won’t make the number go back down. This could be because the bug was causing the drives to degrade at an accelerated rate, or because the drive simply can’t tell the difference between real wear on the drive caused by normal usage and artificial “wear” caused by the firmware bug.
Why Update the Firmware?
Updating the firmware on your Samsung 990 Pro SSD can offer several benefits, such as improving the drive’s performance, fixing known bugs and issues, and adding new features. Firmware updates can also address security vulnerabilities, improving the drive’s overall security.
Before Updating the Firmware
Before updating the firmware on your Samsung 990 Pro SSD, it is important to back up any important data that is stored on the drive. Firmware updates can sometimes cause data loss or other issues, so it is always a good practice to back up your data before performing any updates.
Additionally, it is important to ensure that your computer system meets the minimum requirements for the firmware update. These requirements can include specific hardware, operating system, and other software requirements.
How to Update the Firmware on the Samsung 990 Pro SSD
Updating the firmware on the Samsung 990 Pro SSD is a straightforward process that can be done using Samsung’s Magician software. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Download Samsung Magician
Download and install Samsung Magician software from the Samsung website. This software is free and allows you to manage and monitor your Samsung SSD.
Step 2: Connect the Samsung 990 Pro SSD
Connect the Samsung 990 Pro SSD to your computer system using a compatible SATA or NVMe cable.
Step 3: Open Samsung Magician
Open Samsung Magician and navigate to the “Firmware Update” tab.
Step 4: Check for Updates
Click on “Check for Updates” to see if there is an available firmware update for your Samsung 990 Pro SSD.
Step 5: Install the Update
If there is an available update, click “Update” to start the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Step 6: Verify the Update
After the firmware update is complete, verify that the new firmware version is installed correctly. You can check this by returning to the “Firmware Update” tab in Samsung Magician.
Conclusion
The Samsung 990 Pro SSD is an exceptional storage solution that offers outstanding performance, high endurance, and advanced features to meet the needs of demanding users. Its impressive speed and reliability make it a popular choice among content creators, gamers, and professionals who require fast and reliable data access and transfer rates. While it is one of the most expensive SSDs available on the market, its performance and reliability make it a worthwhile investment for users who require high-end storage solutions. If you are looking for a high-performance SSD, the Samsung 990 Pro SSD is definitely worth considering.
