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SSDs have become essential devices in today’s tech-driven society. Solid state drives (SSDs) have revolutionized computer storage technology with faster read/write speeds than conventional hard drives. In this regard, two of the more sought-after SSDs on the market today are the 970 Evo Plus and 980 SSDs.
In addition, the two SSDs are from Samsung, one of the industry’s most trusted brands, and have become benchmarks for high-performance SSDs. However, many find deciding between these two models challenging because of their underlying similarities.
Our analysis explores the differences between the 970 Evo Plus and the 980, helping users decide which model best meets their requirements. This comparison entails performance, specifications, and features between both models to help users fully grasp their differences.
Now, let’s dive in and find which Samsung SSD would make an excellent match for you.
970 Evo Plus vs. 980: Side-by-Side Comparison
| 970 EVO Plus | 980 | |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | Feb 2019 | Sep 2020 |
| Capacities available | 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB | 250GB, 500GB, 1TB |
| Sequential read speed (max) | 3,500 MB/s | 3,500 MB/s |
| Manufacturer | Samsung | Samsung |
| Sequential write speed (max) | 3,300 MB/s | 3,000 MB/s |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Random read speed (max) | 620,000 IOPS (for 2TB) | 500,000 IOPS (for 1TB) |
| Interface | PCIe 3.0 x4, NVMe 1.3 | PCIe 3.0 x4, NVMe 1.4 |
| Random write speed (max) | 560,000 IOPS (for 2TB) | 480,000 IOPS (for 1TB) |
| Speed | 533 MT/s … 1400 MT/s | 1200 MT/s |
| Endurance rating | 1200 TBW (2TB model) | 600 TBW |
| Warranty | Five years | Five years |
970 EVO Plus vs. 980: What’s the Difference?
Although the 970 EVO Plus and 980 SSD models share many similarities, most consumers fail to explore the distinctions between them. Consequently, this failure leads to making uninformed purchasing decisions.
Before making a choice, it is crucial to assess all models’ individual features and benefits carefully. Here, you’ll find the differences between the two SSDs to assist you in making the optimal choice.
Speed
Concerning speed, the 970 EVO Plus and 980 SSDs share many similarities, including a sequential read speed of 3,500MB/s. But the 970 EVO Plus has an even faster sequential write speed of 3,300MB/s than the 980 at only 3,000MB/s.
Additionally, the 970 EVO Plus offers faster random read speeds of up to 620,000 IOPS. At the same time, its counterpart, the 980, features a speed of 500,000 IOPS. The 970 EVO Plus has an increased random write speed of 560,000 IOPS compared to its counterpart, the 980 (480,000).
- Nickel-coated controller and heat spreader provide optimum heat dissipation
- Can reach sequential read/write speeds up to 3,500/3,300 MB/s
- NVMe interface
- Expands storage capacity to save space for other components
The 970 EVO Plus may be better with its faster sequential write speed for users who regularly transfer large files. Furthermore, the 970 EVO Plus’ higher random read and write speeds could increase performance for users who work with multiple applications.
Capacity
The 970 EVO Plus and 980 SSDs come in various capacities; with the former, 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB are available. At the same time, on the 980 SSD, there are 250GB, 500GB, and 1TB variants. Importantly, capacity differences may influence users’ intended usage scenario.
However, the 2TB 970 EVO Plus model may suit individuals working with large files, such as video editors. Meanwhile, the 980 SSD is considered sufficient for general users. However, its limited capacity range may make the 980 less suitable for some users.
Endurance Rating
An SSD’s endurance rating refers to its capacity to handle a certain writing volume before its performance degrades. Essentially, the 970 EVO Plus and 980 SSDs vary significantly in their endurance ratings, with the former boasting higher endurance than its counterpart.
Specifically, the 970 EVO Plus can manage up to 1,200 Terabytes Written per 2TB model. At the same time, the 980 can manage 600 TBW per 1TB model.
Additionally, these variances in endurance ratings could significantly decrease the SSD’s lifespan, particularly among users who frequently write large amounts of data onto the drive. Overall, the 970 EVO Plus may be preferable as its increased data writing capabilities could prevent performance degradation over time.
However, the reduced endurance rating on the 980 SSD might not pose too much of a burden for users with more moderate usage scenarios.
Performance Consistency
Performance consistency refers to an SSD’s ability to sustain consistent performance levels over time, even under heavy workloads. Surprisingly, both models incorporate mechanisms designed to maintain consistent performance over time, such as Dynamic Thermal Guard technology and solid-state controllers.
- Ideal for heavy graphics
- Sequential writes up to 3,000 MB/s
- Sequential reads up to 3,500 MB/s
- Up to 600 TBW
However, due to its faster write speeds, the 970 EVO Plus may perform slightly better under heavy workloads that involve extensive data writing. Nevertheless, this difference in performance consistency may not be noticeable to an average user under moderate usage conditions.
Power Consumption
The 970 EVO Plus and 980 SSDs vary significantly in power usage, with the latter consuming slightly less electricity. Additionally, the 970 EVO Plus consumes up to 5W during peak usage, while the 980 consumes only 4.5W maximum power.
This difference may affect battery life, with 980 SSD laptops offering potentially longer runtime for continuous computing use.
Nevertheless, in real-life usage scenarios, the difference in power consumption might not be significant. This finding is true since some users predominantly use their laptops while connected to an AC power source.
Price
The 970 EVO Plus and 980 models vary considerably in their costs. Surprisingly, the 980 SSD model launch price was almost half that of the 970 EVO Plus. Typically, the 970 EVO Plus is more costly than the 980 models, with this difference widening as capacity expands.
However, the price difference may be worthwhile for users who require faster write speeds, increased endurance rating, and a larger DRAM cache of the 970 EVO Plus. On the other hand, users with more moderate usage scenarios may find that the 980 SSD offers satisfactory performance at an economical price point.
Manufacturing Process
Manufacturing processes are crucial in an SSD’s performance and efficiency, impacting its effectiveness and value to users.
The 970 EVO Plus and 980 SSDs differ considerably in the manufacturing process. Specifically, the 980 SSDs employ an innovative 128-layer 3D TLC NAND flash memory process. On the other hand, the 92-layer is featured on the 970 EVO Plus SSD.
These differences could contribute to the 980 providing slightly superior performance and power efficiency compared to its counterpart, the 970 EVO Plus. However, manufacturing process variations likely won’t significantly affect an average user’s real-world usage scenarios, especially those who engage in moderate usage scenarios.
970 EVO Plus vs. 980: 8 Must-Know Facts
- The 970 EVO Plus offers faster sequential write speed and higher random read and write speeds than the 980 SSD.
- The 970 EVO Plus has more capacity options, up to 2TB. By contrast, the 980 only comes in 250GB, 500GB, or 1TB capacities.
- The 970 EVO Plus has a higher endurance rating than its counterpart (the 980), potentially increasing its lifespan and improving the user’s experience overall.
- Both the 970 EVO Plus and 980 SSDs come with a five-year warranty from Samsung.
- Compared with the 980 SSD model, the 970 EVO Plus tends to be more costly, and as capacity grows, the price gap widens further.
- The 980 is slightly more power efficient than its 970 EVO Plus counterpart, potentially increasing battery life on laptop computers.
- The 970 EVO Plus uses Samsung’s 92-layer 3D NAND flash memory, while the 980 employs 128-layer TLC NAND flash.
- The 970 EVO Plus and 980 SSDs provide maximum sequential read speeds of 3,500MB/s.
970 EVO Plus vs. 980: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Use?
Determining the best SSD between the 970 EVO Plus and the 980 depends on each user’s requirements and budget. On the one hand, the 2TB 970 EVO Plus tends to be more costly but may provide faster write speeds, higher endurance ratings, and other superior specifications.
On the other hand, the 980 offers enough performance at an economical price point for users with moderate use scenarios. Therefore, when selecting between SSDs, it’s essential to consider several factors. These may include speed, capacity, endurance rating, power consumption, warranty period, and price.
Furthermore, users should consider their specific usage requirements, such as multitasking, data writing, or gaming, when selecting an ideal SSD. The decision between the 970 EVO Plus and the 980 should ultimately come from personal taste and budget considerations.
- SAMSUNG 970 EVO Plus SSD
- Nickel-coated controller and heat spreader provide optimum heat dissipation
- Can reach sequential read/write speeds up to 3,500/3,300 MB/s
- NVMe interface
- Expands storage capacity to save space for other components
- SAMSUNG 980 SSD
- Ideal for heavy graphics
- Sequential writes up to 3,000 MB/s
- Sequential reads up to 3,500 MB/s
- Up to 600 TBW
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