Comparing Samsung’s SSD Titans: 970 EVO vs. 980
In the world of solid-state drives (SSDs), Samsung has been a dominant force, with its 970 EVO and 980 models being popular choices among consumers. As technology evolves, users are keen to understand which of these storied SSDs offers the best performance for their computing needs.
The 970 EVO: A Proven Performer
The Samsung 970 EVO is a NVMe SSD, renowned for its high-speed data transfer rates and reliability. It uses V-NAND technology and comes with a PCIe Gen3 x4 interface, which allows for read speeds of up to 3,500 MB/s and write speeds of up to 2,500 MB/s. This makes it an excellent choice for heavy workloads and gaming.
The 980: A New Contender
The newer Samsung 980, on the other hand, is a PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD that lacks the ‘EVO’ branding. It’s designed to provide efficient performance at a more affordable price point. While it doesn’t include a DRAM cache, Samsung’s Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology helps to maintain high performance levels. The 980 offers read speeds of up to 3,500 MB/s, similar to the 970 EVO, but its write speeds are slightly lower.
Performance and Value
When comparing the two, the 970 EVO may have an edge in write-intensive tasks due to its higher write speeds and the inclusion of a DRAM cache. However, for users who prioritize value and are primarily concerned with read speeds, the 980 emerges as a cost-effective alternative that doesn’t compromise much on performance.
FAQ:
Q: What is NVMe?
A: NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) is a storage protocol designed specifically for SSDs to access high-speed storage media and is much faster than traditional SATA connections.
Q: What is V-NAND?
A: V-NAND, or Vertical NAND, is a type of flash memory where storage cells are stacked vertically, allowing for higher density and improved performance over planar NAND.
Q: What is PCIe Gen3 x4?
A: PCIe Gen3 x4 refers to the third generation of the PCI Express interface, with ‘x4’ denoting a four-lane configuration that provides higher data transfer rates compared to x2 or x1 configurations.
Q: What is a DRAM cache?
A: A DRAM cache is a type of volatile memory used in SSDs to temporarily store data for quick access, which can improve the drive’s overall performance, especially in write operations.
Q: What is HMB technology?
A: Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology allows an SSD to use a portion of the system’s RAM instead of having its own DRAM, which can help to reduce costs while still maintaining good performance levels.