This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:16:09
The video is a comprehensive buyer's guide comparing two Samsung SSD models, the 980 Pro and the 990 Pro, and their suitability for devices such as PS5s, gaming PCs, editing rigs, and NAS units. Released two to two-and-a-half years apart, the 990 Pro offers enhanced performance and larger capacities (up to 4TB) due to advancements like its Pascal controller and 176-layer 3D NAND, unlike the 980 Pro's Elpis controller and 136-layer NAND. Despite these improvements, both drives share similar durability ratings and price points, making the 990 Pro a sensible upgrade. Key enhancements in the 990 Pro include superior read and write speeds and higher 4K random IOPS. The video also addresses a previous firmware issue, now resolved, suggesting that the 990 Pro's updated firmware makes it a safer choice, especially for systems like the PS5 that find firmware updates challenging. Viewers are encouraged to seek additional reviews for detailed performance data and to use resources like NAS Compares for further assistance.
00:00:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker continues discussing SSDs, focusing specifically on two models from Samsung: the 990 Pro and the 980 Pro, which have a two to two-and-a-half-year gap between their releases. The video is intended to be a buyer’s guide for those upgrading devices such as PS5s, gaming PCs, editing rigs, or NAS units. Despite a recent dip in reputation due to firmware issues, Samsung SSDs are highlighted as benchmarks for Gen 4 SSDs. The discussion also briefly acknowledges the emerging Gen 5 SSDs, noted for their speed, high cost, and heat generation. The video will compare these models in terms of specifications and suitability without performing new benchmarks, directing viewers to previous reviews for performance data. Interestingly, despite the release gap, the price per terabyte of the 980 Pro and 990 Pro SSDs remains similar, offering a reasonable cost comparison.
00:03:00
In this segment, the speaker compares the pricing and capacities of the Samsung 980 Pro and 990 Pro SSDs. The 990 Pro offers slightly higher performance and larger capacities (1TB, 2TB, and 4TB) at a similar price point to the 980 Pro, which is available in smaller capacities (120GB, 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB). The price per terabyte for larger capacities is more cost-effective, whereas smaller drives have a higher cost per terabyte. Both SSDs use in-house controllers developed by Samsung, with the 980 Pro using the Elpis controller and the 990 Pro using the Pascal controller. Despite the similarities in hardware architecture and firmware, the newer Pascal controller in the 990 Pro offers some improvements.
00:06:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker compares the Samsung 980 Pro and 990 Pro SSDs, highlighting the significant advancements in the 990 Pro. Key differences include the 990 Pro’s superior hardware architecture, which features a 176-layer 3D NAND compared to the 136-layer NAND in the 980 Pro, resulting in higher performance and durability. Both drives use V-NAND 3D TLC and come with low-power DDR4 memory. The 990 Pro is presented as an organic upgrade from the 980 Pro, benefiting from additional development and research over the years. This has led to better overall performance, suitable for more recent client systems and PS5, with the 990 Pro capable of harnessing extra performance advancements. The presenter notes that the 990 Pro’s maximum sequential read and write speeds surpass those of the 980 Pro due to these developments.
00:09:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the performance improvements of the 990 Pro SSD over the 980 Pro, highlighting key enhancements in read and write speeds. The 990 Pro achieves a maximum read speed of 7450 MB/s and a write speed of 6900 MB/s, significantly outperforming the 980 Pro. Additionally, the 990 Pro boasts higher 4K random IOPS, with up to 1.6 million IOPS compared to the 1 million IOPS of the 980 Pro. Despite these performance boosts, both drives have similar durability ratings, with both offering a terabytes written (TBW) rating of 600 for the 1TB version and 1200 for the 2TB version. The segment concludes by mentioning the comparable price points and noting that performance gains do not compromise durability.
00:12:00
In this segment, the speaker discusses the similarities in drive-writability and durability between two SSD models, emphasizing that there is no significant advantage in choosing between the older and newer drives based solely on these metrics. The speaker highlights a past firmware issue from Samsung that affected both models, but notes that it has been resolved. Additionally, the inability of the PS5 to update SSD firmware without a PC is mentioned, suggesting that users considering an SSD for PS5 or other closed systems might prefer the newer drive due to its updated firmware. The segment concludes by pointing out that the newer drive offers better performance, improved components, and a reduced chance of encountering outdated firmware, making it a preferable choice despite having a similar price to the older model.
00:15:00
In this part of the video, the speaker compares the Samsung 980 Pro SSD with the 990 Pro, highlighting that the 990 Pro is generally a superior product. They mention the limited options available for 120GB SSDs and the longevity and frequent sales of Samsung’s 250GB and 500GB models. The speaker recommends checking linked reviews for detailed information, including temperature benchmarks and controller specifics. Additionally, they suggest using the free advice section on NAS Compares for assistance with selecting the right SSD for gaming or video editing needs and mention the availability of community support through Discord and other platforms. Finally, they offer their and their colleague Ed’s services for personalized help.